An estimated 20,000 cancers could be prevented if half of all Americans increased their daily consumption of fruits and vegetables by a single serving, according to a new study published in the journal of Food and Chemical Toxicology. The findings substantiate decades of research that suggest eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables improves overall health.
Because some Americans have concerns about pesticide residues on their food, the study also examined potential cancer risk from residues. “The overwhelming difference between benefit and risk estimates provides confidence that consumers should not be concerned about cancer risks from consuming conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables," the researchers said.
The cancer prevention estimates were derived using a published meta-analysis of nutritional epidemiology studies. The cancer risks were estimated using U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) methods, cancer potency estimates from rodent bioassays, and pesticide residue sampling data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
A joint statement released by the Produce Marketing Association, United Fresh Produce Association and Western Growers Association, said: “Despite the recommendations of the government, health experts, consumer advocates and environmental groups to eat more conventional and organic fruits and vegetables, consumption has stagnated in recent years. We are hopeful that the simple and powerful message this study conveys of how important it can be to add even a single serving of produce to our diets will have a positive impact on consumers. This study clearly illustrates that the key message for consumers is to choose either conventionally or organically grown fruits and vegetables with confidence, but remember to eat more for better health."
