Eat veges and avoid cancer, says cancer researcher

By Jeff Hampton

Cancers can be cut by two-thirds if people stop smoking and eat more plant foods, according to a professor from a leading American Cancer Research Centre.

Prof John Potter outlined his tips for good health at a health research open day in Christchurch. He is a leading international cancer researcher and an evangelist for fruit and vegetables.

"People with a higher intake of fruit and vegetables tend to be at lower risk," he says.

The professor was brought out by the Canterbury Medical Research Foundation and Otago University. He pushed the old messages to stay healthy - get plenty of exercise, eat the right foods and don't smoke.

But his big emphasis was on what we should eat.

"More plant foods in the diet, more vegetables and fruit - and the reason for vegetables and fruit is there are lots of very interesting compounds and things in them that are actually anti-cancer."

Prof Potter, a keen gardener himself, believes all plants have benefits - especially when mixed together.

For some vegetables are an acquired taste, but he believes we give up on them too quickly. Instead we should learn from the French, who train themselves to taste food rather like tasting wine.

"The trick is to give yourself time to appreciate those tastes," he says. "The slightly bitter taste you get in vegetables the slightly astringent taste you get in some fruit. But it does take effort and persistence."

That way people can cut down on foods loaded with fat, salt and sugar - but the price of fruit and vegetables can be more expensive than junk, leading to calls for the Government to reduce GST on fruit and vegetables.

Prof Potter thinks the idea has merit, because a better diet means a healthier population.

"There are some [US] states where there is no added tax. There is if you consume it at restaurants but not if you buy it to cook at home."

For this cancer expert, a prescription of vegetables is the key to good health.

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