4 ‘natural antihistamine’ fruits which ‘help keep hay fever at bay’
Many people suffer from hay fever symptoms (stock image) (Image: Olga Pankova via Getty Images)
As pollen levels soar with the changing seasons, Britons across the country are searching for straightforward, natural solutions to combat hay fever symptoms – and research indicates the answer might lie in the fruit on your plate.
Numerous individuals turn to social media seeking dietary advice for hay fever relief, and experts have now identified four fruits worth considering.
British berries including strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries aren’t merely bursting with flavour; they’re also loaded with nutrients that could potentially alleviate allergy symptoms such as runny noses, itchy eyes and sneezing bouts, according to specialists.
Through their Campaign for Better Breakfasts, British Berry Growers are highlighting how beginning your morning with a delicious, colourful and berry-rich breakfast might deliver health advantages you hadn’t previously thought about – strengthening your body’s natural defences against hay fever.
When managing hay fever symptoms, it’s essential to remain aware of Pollen Food Syndrome – also referred to as Oral Allergy Syndrome – a form of hypersensitivity reaction that can impact hay fever sufferers. It occurs when your immune system mistakes proteins for being similar to pollen.
For individuals without this condition, here’s how each of your favourite berries might provide a boost this season.
Please note, this is not the solution for those who experience severe pollen allergies, but rather for those wishing to ease mild hay fever symptoms. The information provided is purely for informational purposes and should not be construed as medical advice.
While certain foods, such as berries, may possess properties that can help relieve mild hay fever symptoms, they are no substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment.
Anyone suffering from severe allergies or hay fever should seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to their diet or treatment plan.
Strawberries
Coming into season in May, strawberries are a superb source of vitamin C, a natural antihistamine. Adding a handful of these succulent red fruits to your diet could help curb histamine production — the culprit behind itchy, watery eyes and persistent sneezing fits.
Research indicates the answer to hay fever problems might lie in the fruit on your plate (Image: Getty)
Blueberries
Blueberries are particularly renowned for their high anthocyanin content, plant compounds celebrated for their antioxidant qualities and their role in supporting eye health. Blueberries also boast quercetin, a natural antihistamine that may help ease allergy symptoms and reduce inflammation.
Raspberries
Raspberries bring together several of the health benefits offered by both strawberries and blueberries. Packed with vitamin C and quercetin, raspberries deliver a natural two-pronged defence against allergies.
Blackberries
Blackberries are well known for their high fibre and antioxidant content, making them a valuable ally in supporting a healthy gut — which is essential for the body to regulate immune responses, including those that trigger hay fever.
Leading nutritionist Rhiannon Lambert BSc MSc RNutr has championed British berries as nutritional superstars, highlighting their countless benefits that stretch far beyond their delightful taste.
She said: “British berries are nutritional powerhouses, and their benefits go far beyond their delicious flavour.
“Strawberries are a source of vitamin C, which plays an important role in the normal functioning of the immune system and may support the body’s natural defences during allergy season.”
She went on to outline the particular advantages of specific berries: “Blueberries and raspberries contain natural plant compounds like quercetin and anthocyanins.
“Quercetin has been studied for its potential to support the body’s response to allergens by helping to reduce the release of substances that are involved in allergic reactions. While more research is needed, some early studies suggest that diets rich in quercetin may help ease common allergy symptoms.”
Lambert further stressed the significance of the fibre contained within these fruits: “Blackberries and raspberries, among other berries, contain fibre, which is important for gut health – and a healthy gut is known to play an important role in our overall health and wellness.”
To put these benefits into everyday practice, she recommended: “Including a handful of berries at breakfast is a simple and delicious way to get a variety of helpful nutrients for your immune system, especially during the spring and summer months when they’re at their best.”
