New study questions cancer benefit of fruits and vegetables

April 9, 2010 in Cancer Prevention, Nutrition Topics in the News

New study questions cancer benefit of fruits and vegetables

New study findings this week are calling into question the age-old advice to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables to keep cancer at bay.
The study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, found that fruits and vegetables only offered a modest protection against the disease.

Researchers analyzed data for more than 400,000 men and women from ten countries.  During the nine year follow up period researchers found that people who ate an additional 200 grams of fruits and vegetables per day, about two servings worth, had an average reduced risk of cancer development of less than five percent.

What's more, researchers aren't certain that the protective effect seen in the study is from fruit and vegetables consumption alone.  That's because researchers found that people who ate the most fruits and vegetables, also had overall healthier lifestyles, including less smoking and more physical activity - which could also be responsible for the lower risk seen in the study.

While the study findings may help further our understanding of how certain food groups can help ward off disease, it certainly doesn't warrant cutting back on your fruit and vegetable intake.  In fact, the researchers advise that fruits and vegetables still be a cornerstone of every healthy diet.  There's still plenty of evidence to show that certain nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables, such as dark green leafy vegetables, can help lower the risk of specific types of cancer. Aside from cancer, fruits and vegetables can help lower the risk of heart disease, stroke and assist in weight management.

Wondering which fruits and vegetables to add to your diet?  Leslie Beck's book, Foods that Fight Disease is a one-stop resource for deciphering fact from fiction when it comes to foods to keep you looking, and feeling your best.

All research on this web site is the property of Leslie Beck Nutrition Consulting Inc. and is protected by copyright. Keep in mind that research on these matters continues daily and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.