Fruits and vegetables reduce cancer risk for smokers

According to a recent study, the risk of some kinds of lung cancer can be reduced to a considerable extent among smokers if they eat a variety of fruits and vegetables.

H. Bas Bueno-de-Mesquita of the Netherlands-based National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, said a mix of different fruits and vegetables may reduce risk of cancers, especially among smokers, if it is not possible for them to get rid of smoking.

“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,” Bueno-de-Mesquita said.

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, Stephen Hecht, editorial board member for Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, said this is one of the first to evaluate diversity of fruit and vegetable consumption, rather than quantity.

“The results are very interesting and demonstrate a protective effect in smokers,” he said.