Scientists have clearly shown that eating fruits and vegetables and being active can reduce the risk of developing colon cancer. They also found that obesity and calorie consumption increase this risk. Today, they show that smokers, by their tobacco consumption, negate the health benefits provided by fruits and vegetables.
A study in Israel showed that the more carotenoids you consume, the lower your risk of colon cancer. However, in regular smokers, we observe the opposite effect: the carotenoids in fruits and vegetables promote the appearance of colon cancer. Thus, smokers should be informed that the potential beneficial effects of heavy consumption of fruits and vegetables are hindered by regular tobacco consumption.
Carotenoids are found in carrots, squash, tomatoes, but also corn and grapefruit.
In this experiment, was studied the possible link between a food intake of carotenoids from a consumption of fruits and vegetables and the risks of colorectal cancer in smokers.
1,817 pairs, that is to say people who have two by two the same sex, age, place of residence were solicited for this study carried out in the north of Israel. The data was collected from regular dietary questionnaires and the individual carotenoid intake was then calculated using an Israeli dietary content database. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the risk of colorectal cancer in these individuals.
It has been found that there is an inverse relationship between the consumption of most carotenoids (carotenes and xanthophylls.) And the risks of colorectal cancer. However, smoking significantly reduces or even reverses this basic protective effect of the ingestion of carotenoids on the risk of colorectal cancer.
Thus, smokers should be informed that the potential beneficial effects of heavy consumption of fruits and vegetables are hindered by regular tobacco consumption.
Source: Smoking attenuates the negative association between carotenoid consumption and colorectal cancer risk.
Chaiter Y, Gruber SB, Ben-Amotz A, Almog R, Rennert HS, Fischler R, Rozen G, Rennert G.
