**9.3.10 Fruit and vegetables**

Regular consumption of fruit and vegetables is a protective factor for CRC and CRP according to our data. Fruit and vegetables contain vitamins, minerals, biologically active substances and some insoluble fibers. All of them are regarded as protective. The suggested daily dose of fruit and vegetables is 400-800g/day divided in at least 5 meals. The protective role of regular consumption of fruits and vegetables is proven: the replacement of high calorie food with low calorie fruits and vegetables (cabbage and broccoli) decreases overall energy intake and reduce the risk for CRC. Compounds with hypothetical antiproliferative and anticancer action, which inactivate free radicals, are antioxidant vitamins (A, C, E), folic acid, thioethers (garlic, onions, leeks), terpens (citrus fruits), plant phenols (grapes, strawberries), carotenoids (carrots, sweet potatos, water melons), selenium, flavonoids, calcium, etc (Levin et al., 2002). With high consummation of fibres (cereals, fruits, vegetables) the risk for CRC is reduced with 40% (Guidance on Cancer Services. Improving Outcomes in Colorectal Cancers – Manual Update. National Institute for Clinical Excellence 2004). Protective effect of fibers is augmented from the fluid intake, calcium, etc. (Levin et al., 2002).
