Your mother always told you to , “eat your vegetables”, and now this is being echoed in scientific laboratories. As well a diet rich in these foods helps to maintain a healthy weight.
A recent paper presented by the National Cancer Institute, reviewed the relationship between vegetable, fruit and carotenoid intake, and the rate of cancers. Of the many hundreds of carotenoids found in our food (primarily fruits and vegetables) many are antioxidants. Beta-carotene is the most easily found and well known carotenoid.
The study found a definite link between fruits and vegetables in the diet, and cancer. The strongest findings were for lung cancer, although cancer of the stomach, cervix, neck, breast, and bladder were also reported. However, some of the studies lasted for only five years. Considering that cancer may take 20 or more years to develop, the association between vegetables and the risk of cancer may be even stronger than realized in the study. Fruit and vegetables, fiber and other antioxidants such as vitamin C may also protect against cancer.
Although all of the variables in the connection between vegetables and cancer are not known, there is, without a doubt, a benefit. It seems that most Americans neglect this part of their diet. A recent survey revealed that only 10 percent of the 12,000 adults surveyed ate the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
Make sure to get all the recommended servings of fruit and vegetables per day for a more healthy body.