June 14, 2004 – A study1 from Yale University confirms that the consumption of fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system.
The study compared the diet of 601 women aged 21 to 84 with a subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma for six years with the diet of 717 healthy women.
The results? Those who ate a diet high in fiber, fruits and vegetables were 40% less likely to be affected than those who ate a lot of eggs, dairy products and foods containing animal protein and saturated fat.
Foods that help prevent non-Hodgkin lymphoma include tomatoes, broccoli, squash, cauliflower, onion, lettuce, leek, apple, pear, and citrus fruits. According to the Dr Tongzhang Zeng, lead researcher of the study, it is the antioxidants in these fruits and vegetables that are said to be beneficial.
So far, the link between eating habits and the risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma has only been studied in American women. All three studies on the subject came to the same conclusion.
In the United States, there are concerns about the rapid growth of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer whose cause is unknown.
In Canada, the number of cases of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma has doubled since the early 1970s. It is the fifth most common form of cancer in the country. It is estimated that 6,200 new cases will be diagnosed in 2004.
Diep Truong – HealthPassport.net
According to WebMD.
1. Zheng, T et al. Diet and Nutrient Intakes and Risk of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in Connecticut Women, American Journal of Epidemiology, 2004, 159 (5): 454-66.
