Study links Mediterranean diet in pregnancy to reduced asthma and allergy risk in children

The Mediterranean diet is characterised by high levels of plant foods such as fruits and vegetables, bread and cereals, legumes and nuts, as well as moderate amounts of dairy products and eggs. Fish is also consumed regularly, and this, along with olive oil, provides the main source of fat in the diet. Red meat is only eaten in small amounts. A number of studies have linked the Mediterranean diet to lower levels of obesity, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease and various forms of cancer.