November 03, 2004

Eating fruits and vegetables won't reduce the risk of developing cancer, according to the findings of a study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston.

The researchers analyzed data from more than 100,000 study subjects who were questioned about their medical history, lifestyle and diet. The study subjects were followed from 1984 to 1998.

They found no reduced risk of cancer among those who consumed at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. However, on the positive side, they found eating fruits and vegetables did lower the risk of developing heart disease.

"The protective effect of fruit and vegetable intake may have been overstated," wrote the researchers. However, "our findings for cardiovascular disease still support the recommendations of the American Heart Association of consuming at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day."