A recent study by the National Cancer Institute provides additional solid evidence that eating more fruits and vegetables may help protect us from non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL), a common cause of cancer death.

The study included 466 cases with 391 controls to examine eating habits and the risk of developing NHL cancer.  When comparing the highest intake of certain fruits and vegetables (top 20%) to the lowest intake (bottom 20%) there were remarkable decreases in risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma:

• All vegetables decreased risk by 42%
• Leafy greens decreased risk by 41%
• Cabbage family vegetables decreased risk by 38%
• Lutein and zeaxanthin (carotinoids found in brightly colored vegetables and fruits) decreased risk by 46%
• A higher zinc intake decreased risk by 42%

What it Means:

The researchers concluded that higherr intakes of vegetables, lutein and zeaxanthin, and zinc are associated with a lower NHL risk.  Mom was right – eat your vegetables!

Source: Kelemen L. E., et al. (June 2006). Vegetables, fruit, and antioxidant-related nutrients and risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 83:1401-10.