Fruits And Vegetables As Anti-Cancer Agents

Although the actual cause of most cancer cases is unknown, research results indicate that certain factors may increase an individual's risks of acquiring cancer. One of these factors is diet. According to experts, obesity may play a part in the growth of cancer cells. Because of this, a nutritious diet consisting of fruits and vegetables may lessen an individual's risks of acquiring cancer.

Anti-oxidents

More studies are shedding some light on how a nutritious diet might help delay or prevent the onset of many kinds of cancer. One such important aspect is the presence of antioxidants in vegetables and fruits. Antioxidants are defined as elements that can prevent oxidation by free radicals – harmful substances that rob other healthy cells of electrons. These unstable radicals can cause irreparable cell damage, making a person more prone to cancer. Antioxidants work by lending electrons to free radicals so as to prevent further cellular damage.

More concrete studies are needed to prove that antioxidants in fruits and vegetables have anti-cancer properties but health experts and institutions strongly promote a nutritious diet filled with fruits and veggies as a preventive measure for cancer. As a proof, certain vegetables like red tomatoes when cooked, naturally produce lycopene – an antioxidant that may prevent cancer. However, more study is required to make this claim a widely-accepted scientific fact. Other examples of powerful antioxidants found in veggies and fruits are vitamins A, C and E, beta carotene and lutein.Several examples of fruits and veggies packed with antioxidants include spinach, lettuce, carrots, tomato, apricots, guava, watermelon, oranges, squash, mangoes and pumpkins.

Fibre

Another possible reason why fruits and vegetables are considered as anti-cancer agents is that a nutritious diet can help lessen excess body fat and address obesity, a possible factor behind cancer. Fiber, which is abundantly found in fruits and veggies, may actually prevent the body from absorbing bad fats or cholesterol and can cause a decrease in weight. Consuming lots of vegetables and fruits may also help curb down excess cravings for salts, fats and sugars – three things that can make a person obese and more prone to cancer as a possible consequence of being overweight. Examples of fruits and vegetables with fiber include pineapples, banana and leafy veggies such as cabbage and broccoli.

The exact link between vegetables, fruits and cancer is not yet established but more studies are starting to shed some light on the beneficial effects of fruits and veggies against cancer.