Scientists have once again pointed toward a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, particularly organic, to protect against cancer and heart disease.

Fruit and veg contain an anti-inflammatory substance known as salicylates which is used in aspirin. Vegetarians have an especially low cancer risk due to higher levels of this substance.

Fruit and vegetables grown using pesticides for mass sale in supermarkets were found to have lower levels of salicylates than those grown organically.

The link between cancer prevention and the salicylates substance found in aspirin was published in a review that appeared in medical journal The Lancet. The review also stated that herbs and spices were also rich in salicylates which may explain the difference in cancer rates across the world.

It is believed salicylates may play a more important role in cancer prevention than antioxidants. For the past 20 years, medical authorities have pointed toward antioxidants found in fruit and veg as having beneficial anti-cancer effects but this latest research could alter opinion in favour of salicylates.

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