Written question asked by Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party) on Monday, 31 March 2014, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 April 2014. It was answered by Jane Ellison (Conservative) on Monday, 7 April 2014 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Cancer

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of reports that carrots can reduce cancer.

Answer: Public Health England is aware of a recently published study which reports that the consumption of carrots is associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer. Government recommends people eat at least five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables a day and carrots can be included as part of this. The variety message is important as different fruit and vegetables contain different nutrients and components and this variety is important for overall health and wellbeing.

Secondary information