A higher intake of vegetables significantly reduces the risk of liver cancer, especially in males

In July 2019 researchers from China published the results of their review of the medical scientific literature to assess the association between vegetable and fruit intake and risk of liver cancer. Nine studies involving 1,326,176 individuals and 1,703 diagnoses of liver cancer were included in the review. Results showed that a higher vegetable intake was associated with a 39% reduced risk of liver cancer. In fact it appeared that the risk of liver cancer reduced by 4% with each 100 gram per day increment of vegetable intake. When a comparison was made between males and females it appeared that a higher intake of vegetables was associated with a 50% reduction in risk of liver cancer in males, but not in females. Only a non-significant association between fruit intake and risk of liver cancer was found. The present review provides strong evidence that a higher intake of vegetables would have a beneficial effect on the prevention of liver cancer, especially for males.

Guo XF et al. Fruit and vegetable intake and liver cancer risk: a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Food Funct. 2019 Jul 31. [Epub ahead of print]

Leave a Reply