More Fruit and Less Meat May Mean Longer Life

“Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in Western countries. The World Health Organization identifies diet as a critical risk factor in the development and progression of this disease and the protective role of high levels of fruit and vegetable consumption.” Results of one study indicate that antioxidants found in apples can protect against DNA damage, improve barrier function and inhibit invasion and beneficially influences key stages of carcinogenesis in colon cells.1

In support of this study, another group of researchers showed that a patient’s overall dietary pattern may be a better predictor of colorectal adenomas or cancers than specific dietary components.

In this study, researchers found that a high-fruit, low-meat diet appeared to be protective against colorectal adenomas compared with a dietary pattern of increased vegetable and meat consumption.2

References:
1. Food Chem Toxicol. 2007 Jan 11.
2. The American Society for Nutrition J. Nutr. 137:999-1004, April 2007