Bananas may help reduce child asthma risk

Parents set to make back-to-school breakfasts may consider serving bananas, apple juice or pineapple because they reduce asthma risk, British researchers say. Children who eat one banana a day have a reduced risk of developing asthmatic symptoms, researchers at the Imperial College of London say. The researchers collected dietary information from 2,640 children ages 5-10 and tracked the children for developing asthma symptoms. The research team found children who ate one banana a day reduced their risk of developing asthmatic symptoms, or breathing problems like wheezing by 34 percent. In addition, children who drank apple juice daily experienced a 47 percent reduction in risk of developing asthmatic symptoms. Another study suggests children with low-fiber intake may be more vulnerable to the respiratory problems associated with secondhand smoke, the Nutrition Institute -- operated by Dole Food Company Inc. -- says. Dole is a leading producer and marketer of fresh fruit and vegetables.