Fruits and veggies linked to lung cancer in young non-smokers

A new study is raising eyebrows after finding that young non-smokers who eat more fruits and vegetables showed a higher risk of lung cancer.

Before you side-eye your salad, there’s a lot more going on here.

What did the study find?

Researchers at the University of Southern California analyzed 187 lung cancer patients under 50 and scored their diets using a standard health index. The surprising part was that these patients weren’t eating junk. They were eating more fruits, more vegetables, more whole grains.

In fact, their diet quality scored higher than that of the average American.

As found by the researchers, about 1 in 5 lung cancer cases in the U.S. now happens in people who’ve barely or never smoked.

Normally, that kind of diet is linked to lower cancer risk. But the current theory suggests the issue isn't the food itself, but rather what’s on it.

The possible explanation

Researchers think long-term exposure to pesticides could be playing a role. The logic is that fruits, vegetables, and grains can carry pesticide residue. People who eat more of them may have higher cumulative exposure, and over time, that exposure might contribute to health risks.

While they’re regulated, long-term exposure to pesticides (even at low levels) has been linked to certain cancers as well as neurological conditions and hormonal disruptions.

So the idea is more produce means potentially more exposure, which in turn means possible long-term effects.

It is important to note that this study didn’t directly measure pesticide levels in the patients. It is a correlation, not a confirmed cause.

This is not a “stop eating fruits and vegetables” moment

This is not to say that fruits and vegetables are bad. Experts still agree that they are essential for long-term health, as they reduce risk for many diseases.

What this study does suggest is that how food is grown and treated matters, and long-term exposure to chemicals deserves more attention.

So, keep eating your fruits and veggies. Just try to wash them a little more carefully.

Source: The New York Post