Although fruit and vegetable consumption has long been known to boost immunity and promote overall health, a new study is the first to show it may reduce the risk of upper respiratory infections (URTI) in expectant mothers.

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine analyzed more than 1,000 pregnant women and found those who ate the most fruits and vegetables were 26 percent less likely to develop URTI than those who ate the least.

As a result, the scientists recommend this group consume at least seven servings per day because, in the words of Martha M. Werler, professor at Slone Epidemiology Center at Boston University and senior study author, “pregnant women may require more fruits and vegetables than usual because of the extra demands on the body.”

Among dietary regimes that rely on fresh produce is the alkaline diet, which is also believed to boost bone health. Meanwhile, those who would like to boost their immunity may consider adding nutritional supplements with vitamin C.