Disease Prevention

There is evidence that dietary factors play an important role in the generation of arteriosclerosis resulting in morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. 1 Dietary factors have been implicated in the causation of approximately one third of all cancers. 2 An excessive intake of fat or calories has been linked to cancers of the breast, prostate, uterus, and colon. 3-5 The risk of developing certain cancers may be reduced by eating adequate amounts of foods that confer a degree of protection. Adequate intake of fiber, in conjunction with a reduced fat intake, is thought to be important in reducing the incidence of colon cancer. 6-8 Vitamin A is necessary for the normal growth and differentiation of squamous epithelia, and adequate intake of dietary vitamin A appears to protect against cancers of the lung, esophagus, and bladder. 9,10 As a result of epidemiological and laboratory research, certain guidelines