A glass of apple juice a day 'can help keep asthma away'

Eating a banana can cut the risk by a third, according to the same study, but consuming whole apples appears to have no affect.

Experts believe the epidemic of asthma in developed countries could be linked to a move away from natural, fresh foods to fast foods.

The latest study, published in the European Respiratory Journal, looked at almost 2,700 primary school children and found those drinking apple juice at least once a day were 50 per cent less likely to develop asthma symptoms.

Researchers led by Professor Peter Burney at the National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, were surprised the juice was more protective-than eating apples - or any other fruit other than bananas.

Professor Burney said: "It's probably dose-related, and the children drink more of the content from apples through juice than by eating the fruit."

Parents of children aged five to ten years living in South London were asked how much fruit and juice their children were consuming.

Professor Burney said the study was observational so did not give clear guidance on a recommended amount of juice.

"The results show at least a glass a day has an effect and it's a good idea to increase the amount of apple juice children are drinking," he added.

A Greek study has found children who eat a Mediterranean diet full of fruit, vegetables and nuts are less likely to develop asthma and allergies.