[New knowledge about cancer and nutrition. 5 servings of fruit and vegetables per day prevent cancer].
On average, lacto-ovo-vegetarians develop cancer less often than their meat-eating fellows. A particularly clear correlation exists between vegetable consumption and the reduction of the risk of developing cancer of the gastrointestinal tract or lung cancer. The factors responsible for the anticarcinogenic effects are not vitamins, minerals and ballast (fiber) alone, but also include in particular the secondary plant substances, whose numbers run into thousands. These substances act in a variety of different ways--for example carotinoids and flavonoids inhibit carcinogen-activating enzymes, phyto-estrogens and indoles have a modulating effect on the hormone metabolism, while saponins or sulfides stimulate the body's natural killer cells. Against this background, the German Society for Nutrition (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung) recommends the daily consumption of 375 grams of vegetables and about 250 to 300 grams of fruit.
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Sektion Ernährungsmedizin u. Diätetik, Medizinischen Universitätsklinik Freiburg.
D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005638:Fruit; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D014675:Vegetables