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Vegetables
Children are repeatedly reminded
that vegetables are good for them, and that they need to eat
their greens to grow up to be big and strong. This belief
is upheld by nutritionists and doctors who have long recognised
the value of vegetables in terms of the vital fibre, vitamins
and minerals they provide.
In recent years, scientists
have further reinforced the link between a diet containing
plenty of vegetables and good health. The American Institute
for Cancer Research estimates that as many as 40 per cent
of all cancers in men, and 60 per cent of those in women,
are linked to diet, while other authorities suggest an overall
figure of 35 per cent. And several studies have confirmed
that populations with diets that are rich in vegetables and
fruit run a lower risk of cancer. There is much speculation
as to how this protection comes about, and several non-nutrient
compounds are among the potential candidates suggested by
scientists. Phytochemicals - derived from the Greek word phyto,
meaning 'plant' - is the term popularly used to describe these
compounds.
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