A European study shows that eating fruits and vegetables may increase smokers' risk of colon cancer. The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment in the Netherlands found that for non-smokers, a high intake of fruits and vegetables appears to reduce the risk of cancer, but for smokers, eating more fruits and vegetables seems to have the opposite effect.
The research report states: "Compared to people who consume 220 grams or less of vegetables and fruits per day, those who consume 600 grams or more per day appear to reduce their risk of colon cancer by 20% and 50%. However, for smokers, eating fruits and vegetables seems to increase their risk of colon cancer. Therefore, trying to prevent colon cancer by consuming fruits and vegetables seems to depend on people's smoking habits."
Hans Verhagen, an official from the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, said this does not mean that smokers should stop eating fruits and vegetables. He said: "On the contrary, our conclusion is 'please stop smoking.'" The study investigated the dietary habits and smoking preferences of about 500,000 people in 10 European countries for 8.5 years. The study's authors said the findings suggest that substances present in fruits and vegetables might even increase the carcinogenic potential of cigarette smoke. Verhagen said: "What makes this study different from previous ones is that, while distinguishing between smokers and non-smokers, we examined the effect of fruit and vegetable intake for the first time."