A study published in the British Naturopathic Journal and reported in The Daily Mail this week has sparked fresh debate about the nutritional value of fresh produce.

The researchers have found that salvestrol compounds are important in battling cancer but that these are low in some fresh produce lines with salvestrol levels up to 30 times higher in organic produce, according to the Daily Mail report.

It cites green vegetables, top fruit and red fruits as important sources, but fails to mention tomatoes specifically.

“Produce contains a range of beneficial nutrients and we should not concentrate on just one as providing the silver bullet to fight cancer,” said Gerry Hayman of the British Tomato Growers’ Association, who also questioned the source of samples used in the research. “We must not forget about lycopene, vitamins C and A and a whole lot of minerals. We do not all die of cancer - and there are a lot of other elements that fight other diseases such as heart disease. What is important is the range of nutritional elements not just one.”

While the research itself by De Montford University scientists may prove extremely helpful in the battle against cancer, the sensationalist reporting of the Daily Mail, casts doubt on the value of eating five portions of fresh produce a day if the portions are not “the right sort”, a claim that has angered the Fresh Produce Consortium.

“It is a known fact that consumption of fruit and vegetables is essential as part of a healthy diet,” said FPC ceo Nigel Jenney. “A more relevant concern is that very few consumers are eating five portions of fruit and vegetables per day. Estimates of consumption indicate an average across the UK of 2.5 to 3 .5 portions per day, therefore the focus of achieving this should surely be the first priority.”

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