Leafy veg diet cuts cancer risk

June 8, 2002

Eating a diet rich in leafy green vegetables can cut the risk of colon cancer by

nearly half.

Researchers at Liverpool University found that a daily serving of broccoli,

cabbage, lettuce and sprouts, can reduce the

cancer risk by 46%. Colon cancer is responsible for around 20,000 deaths a year

in the UK. The leafy green vegetables

contain fibre rich in the sugar galactose, which scientists believe could help

prevent proteins called lectins from

binding to the lining of the colon and causing damage. This study provides

important evidence that the association

between diet and colon cancer is mediated via specific food components rather

than just by a general effect of fibre

The study, sponsored by North West Cancer Research Fund, studied 1,000 people,

half of whom had colon cancer. They

quizzed people about their diet and found that those without the colon problems

ate more of the vegetables. Professor

, who led the research said: " The stories about the benefits of a

high fibre diet that have been

circulating for years have typically oversimplified the situation so it is not

surprising that there was confusion and

contradictory reports. This study provides important evidence that the

association between diet and colon cancer is

mediated via specific food components rather than just by a general effect of

fibre. "

The report, published in Gastroenterology, also highlighted the harmful effects

of a diet too high in calories and red

meat. It also extolled the positive benefits of regular exercise.

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Good health & long life,

Greg ,

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