Produce for Better Health Foundation Releases Statement on Study Saying Fruit & Vegetable Consumption Not Strongly Associated with Colon Cancer Risk

27/09/07 Elizabeth Pivonka, Ph.D., R.D., President and CEO of the Produce for Better Health Foundation, released the following statement on the study published in the September 25th issue of the Journal of The National Cancer Institute (JNCI) showing greater consumption of fruits and vegetables not to be associated with a lower risk of developing colon cancer:

"While the findings of this study suggest that a diet high in fruits and vegetables may not ward off colon cancer, the overall health benefits of a diet high in fruits and vegetables are indisputable. As National Cancer Institute scientists also point out, people who consume generous amounts of fruits and vegetables as part of a healthful diet are likely to have reduced risk of chronic diseases, including stroke and perhaps other cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer including lung, oral, esophageal, and stomach. Also, as part of a healthy diet, eating fruits and vegetables instead of high-fat foods may make it easier for people to control their weight.

"The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults consume 3.5 to 6.5 cups (7 to 13 servings) of fruits and vegetables daily and children eat 2 to 5 cups per day (4 to 10 servings) depending on their age. While research indicates that more than 50 percent of adults know they need to eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day, more than 90 percent of all Americans do not eat the recommended amount. To meet the new dietary guidelines, most consumers will have to more than double the amount they currently consume, which is why last March, the Produce for Better Health Foundation, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, and the American Heart Association, among others, launched a national public health initiative called 'Fruits & Veggies -- More Matters,' encouraging Americans to eat more fruits and vegetables -- fresh, frozen, canned, dried, and 100% juice. The new initiative follows the former 5 A Day for Better Health campaign.