Just as we were getting used to the idea that eating vegetables and fruits would protect us from all sorts of health illnesses, we are told that eating vegetables won’t really help in protecting us against cancer.
A recent study that studied as many as 478,000 Europeans found that eating veggies is not as effective in keeping cancer at bay as was thought previously.
3% reduction in risk of cancer was observed when people ate an additional 200 grams of veggies and fruits per day. This finding makes the veggies and cancer – prevention link rather weak according to the study published online in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
The researchers however hurried to assure us that fruits and vegetables are very important; just that they were not the only determining factor; rather one of many factors that influence cancer risk.
The premise that the veggie eaters had lower incidence of cancer because they had healthier lifestyles (less alcohol, no or less smoking, higher rates of physical activity) was also considered.
However, if you are eating 1.5 to 2 cups of fruits a day and 2.5 to 3 cups of vegetables, keep right on with the habit as it is still believed that veggies and fruits have anti-cancer compounds, which are seen to affect enzymes, immune system and hormone levels.
Source: CNN
