Tomatoes, Watermelon, grapefruit and Oily fish could reduce Children's Asthma

● Research shows that certain foods can prevent severe asthma symptoms

● Trials are underway at John Hunter Hospital to prove the research 

● Antioxidant Lycopene is found in tomatoes, watermelon and grapefruit

● Oily fish like salmon and mackerel may prevent childhood asthma

As winter progresses and child asthma cases spike, professors at the John Hunter hospital in Newcastle are conducting a trial based on research that eating certain foods containing antioxidants helps to prevent severe symptoms.

Lycopene, a naturally occurring chemical found in tomatoes, watermelon and grapefruit, has been identified as one of the key antioxidants that help with the body's reaction to colds and flu.

National Asthma Council spokesperson and Senior Staff Specialist in the Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy at Royal North Shore Hospital, Dr Sheryl Van Nunen, says that eating oily fish is also very good for people with asthma.

Fresh oily fish like salmon, sardines and mackerel may protect children from asthma in childhood, 

The fish have nutrients in them that alter inflammatory pathways.

Foods containing magnesium are also thought to assist in asthma management in kids, found in foods like bananas, spinach and fish.

Research has shown magnesium treats constricted airways by relaxing the muscles surrounding the bronchial tubes.