Eat Your Fruits and Veggies

Dateline: 04/30/98

Mom had it right all along: eat your fruits and vegetables! New research adds additional evidence to the growing body of information about the protective effects of antioxidants. Antioxidants protect cells from damage by biochemical processes in the body. Common examples are beta carotene and vitamins C and E.

The authors of the study tested the effects of antioxidants on lung function (measured by how much air could be expelled by the lungs). As suspected, the difference in the form of protection by antioxidants was similar to the difference in lung function between smokers and nonsmokers. The difference in the level of lung function in people who consumed high levels of antioxidants versus people who didn't was similar to the difference between a nonsmoker and a long term smoker.

Likewise, the protection conferred by antioxidants was significantly higher for nonsmokers than for smokers. Researchers found that beta carotene, for instance, had much less of a protective effect on smokers in comparison to nonsmokers. Interestingly, the antioxidant selenium was found to be more protective in smokers than nonsmokers while vitamin C was found to confer equal protection to both smokers and nonsmokers.

Since this study was the first to suggest a link between antioxidants and lung function, researchers were optimistic that an increase in the daily intake of antioxidants might prevent the normal decline in lung function associated with old age.

The protective benefits of antioxidants may also extend to helping to prevent bronchitis, asthma, and even emphysema.

As always, the scientists involved in the study cautioned that additional research is needed. They hope to continue measuring the effects of antioxidants on the body.

What do you think? Do you get enough antioxidants? How many servings of fruits and vegetables do you consume in a day? Are supplements a viable alternative? Stop by the Biology Forum and share your thoughts, opinions, and feelings.

For additional information see:

• Chemicals In Fruits And Vegetables Protect Lung Function
  
• News report about the study from Science Daily.