Variety of fruits and vegetables lowers lung cancer risk

September 2, 2010 in Cancer Prevention, Nutrition Topics in the News

Variety of fruits and vegetables lowers lung cancer risk
Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables may decrease the risk of some kinds of lung cancer for smokers, according to a new study.

The study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, was based on research involving more than 450,000 people in Europe, including 1,600 who were diagnosed with lung cancer.

The researchers said the variety of fruits and vegetables appeared to be more important than the quantity. They studied 14 commonly eaten fruits and 26 vegetables including fresh, canned or dried products.

The risk of squamous cell carcinoma decreased substantially when a variety of fruits and vegetables were eaten, the study concluded.

While previous research has shown the influence of the quantity of fruits and vegetables on cancer development, researchers said this is one of the first to evaluate diversity of fruit and vegetable consumption, rather than quantity.

Fruits and vegetables contain many different bioactive compounds, and it makes sense to assume that it is important that you not only eat the recommended amounts, but also consume a rich mix of these bioactive compounds by consuming a large variety.

Wondering which fruits and vegetables you should be adding to your diet?  Pick up Leslie Beck's Foods that Fight Disease to help you discover power foods - nutrient-packed, whole foods that have been shown demonstrated in scientific studies to lower the risk of many chronic diseases.

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.