Question: Can eating fruit reduce my risk of getting cervical cancer?

Dr. Brownstein's Answer:

The results of a recent large study tell us that eating fruit likely helps cut cancer risk. Researchers studied 299,649 women (from the European Prospective Investigation Into Cancer and Nutrition study) to ascertain if fruit intake affects the rate of cervical cancer. An average nine-year follow-up found a significantly inverse association between daily increase in intake of fruits and invasive cervical cancer.

The researchers wrote in the September edition of the International Journal of Cancer, “Our study suggests a possible protective role of fruit intake and other dietary factors on invasive cervical cancer.”

This study shows that what your mother told you was correct: Eat more fruit! Fruit contains many valuable phytochemicals, including vitamins and minerals that supply the body with the building blocks it needs to maintain an optimal immune system.

Whether as a deterrent for cancer or just to maintain overall health, eating more whole foods — fruits included — and less refined foods is something we all should do.