Eating veggies may prevent cancer cells from growing.

Eating veggies may prevent cancer cells from growing.

It all started when Chinese scientists fed rice and veggies to some mice. What they learned was kind of amazing: Genetic material from plant foods, called microRNA, altered the expression of some of the critters' genes. Lab rats we are not, but these results, along with other research that found plant microRNA in human blood samples, suggest that microRNA "may block genes that are associated with cancer," says Linda Birnbaum, Ph.D., director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. This knowledge could be crucial to preventing tumors from developing, because most cancers begin when genes switch on or off inappropriately, causing cells to grow out of control. First, though, more research needs to be done to see how plant microRNA works in the human body.

What to do:

 Eat the good stuff. Lots of it—at least 2 1/2 cups of vegetables and 1 1/2 cups of fruit every day. You'll know you're on the right track if half of what's on your plate at meals is produce. Be sure to mix things up: Different fruit and vegetables contain different microRNA and cancer-fighting antioxidants.

Your perk:

 Fewer munchies. Produce is full of fiber, which helps keep you full longer, so you eat less.

source credit:self.com