Modern nutritional science recognizes fruits and vegetables as healthy foods that can reduce the risk of cancer, and most people agree with the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” But can we fight cancer effectively by eating only fruits and vegetables? Is it healthy to eat only fruits and vegetables? Well, not necessarily.
Fruits and Vegetables Can Fight Cancer, but There Is a Limit to Their Effectiveness
Fruits and vegetables may reduce cancer risk because they are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals that help boost the body’s ability to fight cancer in many ways. Conversely, low fruit and vegetable consumption is associated with an increased risk of death from cancer.A meta-analysis of 95 studies showed that adding 200 grams of vegetables and fruits to the diet was associated with a 10 percent reduction in all-cause mortality. A daily intake of 550 to 600 grams of fruits and vegetables combined, fruits, and vegetables, was associated with 14 percent, 8 percent, and 12 percent reductions in the relative risk of total cancer, respectively. It also reported that cruciferous and green-yellow vegetables were associated with a significant reduction in total cancer risk.
