5-a-day keeps oral cancer away
A major review of 16 studies has revealed that increasing the amount of fruit and vegetables you eat can reduce the risk of mouth (oral) cancer. The research showed that each additional serving of fruit reduced the risk of mouth cancer by 49 per cent and each additional serving of vegetables showed a 50 per cent reduction in mouth cancer. Some fruits were more effective than others; citrus fruits reduced the risk by a whopping 62 per cent. Even if your current intake is low, eating just one extra serving of fruit or vegetables per day could significantly reduce the risk of mouth cancer as well as lowering the risk for heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and obesity.
Pavia M, Pileggi C, Nobile CG, Angelillo IF. 2006. Association between fruit and vegetable consumption and oral cancer: a meta-analysis of observational studies. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 83 (5) 1126-1134.
About the author
Dr. Justine Butler
Justine joined Viva! in 2005 after graduating from Bristol University with a PhD in molecular biology. After working as a campaigner, then researcher and writer, she is now Viva!’s head of research and her work focuses on animals, the environment and health. Justine’s scientific training helps her research and write both in-depth scientific reports, such as White Lies and the Meat Report, as well as easy-to-read factsheets and myth-busting articles for consumer magazines and updates on the latest research. Justine also recently wrote the Vegan for the Planet guide for Viva!’s Vegan Now campaign.
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