The role of regular fruit deliveries in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a sharp mind in the office has been highlighted as part of wider efforts to combat some of the western world’s most prevalent and debilitating diseases.

One of the biggest killers in the world is cancer, with an estimated 10.9 million people worldwide diagnosed with the disease each year. The International Union Against Cancer (UICC) and the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) have been keen to highlight the importance of diet in preventing the disease.

As part of World Cancer Day (February 4th), the organisations have commenced a year-long campaign, called ‘Cancer can be prevented too’, to encourage people to do all they can to keep cancer at bay through lifestyle changes, with fruit a key ally in the battle.

Gerry McElwee, head of cancer prevention at UCF, explained: "Most cancers are preventable - in fact, research shows that around two-thirds of all cancers could be prevented if we stop smoking, avoid sunburn, eat a varied diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, maintain a healthy weight and lead an active lifestyle."

"Diet alone has been linked to at least 35 per cent of cancers so eating five portions of fruit and vegetables a day is a simple but very important health message," he added.

The news comes as a study in India suggested a low-fat, vegetarian diet might be one of the causes for unusually low levels of Alzheimer’s disease in a region in the north of the country.

Written by Rebecca Mills

 

This entry was posted on Friday, February 5th, 2010 at 8:40 am and is filed under Fruit health benefits and fruit facts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.