An orange a day keeps you off cancers
( 2003-12-03 15:35) (Agencies)
Eating an orange a day can keep certain cancers away, according to a new
Australian study.
The government's key research group, the Commonwealth Scientific and
Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), found consuming citrus fruits could
reduce the risk of mouth, larynx and stomach cancers by up to 50 percent.
One extra serve of citrus a day, on top of the recommended five daily
servings of fruit and vegetables, could also reduce the risk of a stroke by 19
percent.
"Citrus fruits...protect the body through their antioxidant properties and by
strengthening the immune system, inhibiting tumour growth and normalising tumour
cells," CSIRO researcher Katrine Baghurst said in a statement.
The Australian study, which was based on 48 international studies on the
health benefits of citrus fruits, also found "convincing evidence" that citrus
could reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, obesity and diabetes.
Baghurst said oranges have the highest level of antioxidants of all fruit,
with more than 170 different phytochemicals, including more than 60 flavonoids
shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour and blood clot inhibiting
properties.
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