Bangkok Post ◆ May 1, 1996

Fruit, vegies the key to longer life

United Nations, Reuters

    EATING more fruit and vegetables as well as taking a dose of vitamins may prolong life and prevent chronic diseases, according to experts at a three-day international conference on the ageing.

　The meeting, that began on Monday, is the first of its kind sponsored by the United Nations and its Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO). It is aimed at advising governments seeking help on rapidly ageing populations, who are making particularly heavy demands on health services.

　"Consumption of fruits and vegetables can dramatically decrease the risk of many of the degenerative diseases of ageing," said Dr. Lester Packer of the University of California at Berkeley.

　Eating well was considered preventive medicine, along with exercise and social and mental activity. Vitamins C and E can also play a role in minimizing diseases of ageing, such as cancer, heart disease, cataracts and brain dysfunction.

　Several papers stressed "oxidative stress" as one of the leading causes of ageing and chronic disease, caused by "free radicals" and dangerous molecules that damage the body's DNA.

　The "free radicals" are found in cigarette smoke and many pollutants but are also produced naturally by the body.