Researchers at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences in Iran have found that proper nutrition reduces the risk of dangerous lung diseases such as pneumonia and cancer.

The results of the respective study were published in the journal BMC Public Health.

Eighty-four people who had lung diseases, as well as 252 healthy volunteers participated in the research. The goal of the scientists was to find a link between the characteristics of the diet and the likelihood of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); a life-threatening disease characterized by inflammation of the airways and swelling of the bronchi. COPD is often complicated by pneumonia, lung cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.

During the phase of collecting information about food habits, the study subjects were asked to recall what foods they consumed most often during the year before the start of the study.

A comparative study of the results showed that patients with a severe form of COPD had consumed more foods that contained whole grains compared to those participants who suffered from a mild form of the disease. Fruits, whole grains, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and omega-3 fats (fish oil) were found more often in the diet of healthy participants. A more balanced diet has also been associated with a reduced risk of COPD complications such as lung cancer and pneumonia.