Spinach may help reduce skin cancer risk

Researchers report that healthier eating habits may help protect against skin cancer, by including more spinach and other green leafy vegetables in the diet.

This announcement follows a recent discovery by the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) that consumption of green leafy vegetables such as spinach and silverbeet is linked with a reduction in the risk of skin cancer, particularly among those with a previous history of the disease.

QIMR's Dr Jolieke van der Pols says green leafy vegetables contain a variety of vitamins, minerals and other bioactive substances that are known to have anti-cancer properties.

"Green leafy vegetables are good sources of folic acid, vitamins A, C and E, the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, and other components which may help boost the skin's natural defence against damage caused by UV rays," Dr van der Pols said.

"This new evidence suggests that an increase in consumption of these foods may help to reduce the risk of skin cancer recurring among those with a previous history by up to 55 percent..."

…Whilst consuming more green leafy vegetables may help protect against skin cancer, QIMR maintains that wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen daily and avoiding UV exposure is still the best way to avoid skin cancer.

Carotenoids build up in the skin, adding to protection.

Queensland Institute of Medical Research, December 1 2006