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A recent Ghanaian study suggests that certain foods may help protect street vendors and other outdoor workers from the harmful effects of air pollution. The Dietary Intervention to Mitigate Air Pollution (DIMAP) study followed 307 street vendors in Accra for a year, with one group receiving weekly supplies of antioxidant-rich foods such as oranges, peanuts, sunflower oil, eggs, and sardines.

The vendors worked near some of Accra's busiest roads, where they were exposed to high levels of air pollution. After a year, researchers found that those who ate the antioxidant-rich foods reported fewer symptoms associated with air pollution, including a 55% lower likelihood of developing a persistent cough, 60% lower likelihood of experiencing difficulty breathing, and 81% lower likelihood of suffering dizziness.

The most significant difference was in the frequency of irregular heartbeat, with vendors who received the food intervention being 92% less likely to experience the condition. Lead researcher Professor Kofi Amegah explained that the study's findings support the role of antioxidants in mitigating the health effects of air pollution, as they help the body deal with harmful substances produced by pollutants.

However, Prof. Amegah cautioned that improved nutrition should not replace efforts to reduce pollution at its source, such as implementing air quality regulations. He emphasized the need for both personal protection measures, such as wearing masks, and broader government action to address the pollution problem.