Study Finds Eating Vegetables May Cut Liver Cancer Risk by 65%

New Delhi: A recent study conducted by researchers at the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) suggests that increased vegetable consumption may significantly reduce the risk of liver cancer in individuals with cirrhosis.

The study, published in JHEP Reports, analyzed data from 179 patients diagnosed with cirrhosis, a severe liver condition caused by prolonged damage leading to fibrosis. Among these participants, 20 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer, were identified.

Findings revealed that 42.5% of the patients had inadequate fruit and vegetable intake. However, those who consumed more than 240 grams of vegetables daily experienced a 65% reduction in liver cancer incidence. Despite this strong correlation with vegetable consumption, the researchers found no significant association between fruit intake and HCC risk.

The study highlights the lack of documentation regarding the role of fruit and vegetable consumption in preventing liver cancer among cirrhosis patients. Researchers emphasized the need for further studies to determine the potential protective effects of fruits and to strengthen dietary recommendations for HCC prevention.

Liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide, with HCC accounting for approximately 85-90% of cases. It primarily affects individuals with chronic liver conditions, including cirrhosis and fibrosis, which result from prolonged liver injury and inflammation. Key risk factors include excessive alcohol consumption, viral hepatitis, obesity, and exposure to aflatoxins—toxins produced by certain moulds found in contaminated food.

Given the growing burden of liver cancer, the researchers underscored the importance of dietary interventions for at-risk populations. They called for larger-scale studies to confirm the protective role of vegetables and explore potential benefits of fruit intake in reducing HCC risk.

These findings add to the growing body of evidence supporting the role of a healthy diet in cancer prevention and reinforce the need for dietary guidelines tailored to individuals with chronic liver disease.