Evidence That Connects Diet and Cancer Found

Because of the claim that broccoli is the answer, Dr. Tim Key, Oxford University Cancer Epidemiology Unit diet expert, wanted to get away from that and studied about what is really important.

Studies showing the link between food and cancer were made by randomly giving some persons particular food and comparing their cancer rates with people who got no interference. A clear result in these studies is deemed real proof.

The results of those that have been published have suggested that some previous ideas were misleading. Two outstanding examples are Vitamin E and beta carotene that looked promising as anti-cancer nutrients, but showed no effect on lung cancer when examined in strict experiments.

Studies have shown that dietary components, such as fiber, red meat, soya, broccoli, folic acid, and vitamin C influence the chances of acquiring certain cancers. They also identified aspects of nutrition that can be clarified by further research.

For meat, it seems that the most important factor is how the meat is prepared. Studies have implied that preserved meat could increase the risk of cancer but fresh red meat may not.

Earlier, World Health Organization officials said that obesity has reached a pandemic state and they need to take more aggressive actions.

Experts said that the awareness approach has repeatedly failed. They started to advocate a sturdier strategy like banning junk food advertisements and prohibiting junk food in school canteens.

Other tactics include removing junk food vending machines from schools, redesigning roads to accommodate bicycles, reintroducing cooking skills into the school curriculum, and founding medical specializations that allow a comprehensive approach to obesity (Written With Daryl Patrick T Ruiz and With reports from The Manila Bulletin).