Greens such as broccoli and cabbage have previously been linked to a reduction in cancers.

Experts have now found broccoli is effective against prostate disease by acting on the GSTM1 gene.

Professor Richard Mithen, of the Institute of Food Research, told the journal POLS One, "Other fruits and vegetables are likely to act through different mechanisms."

A Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil, fruits, vegetables and oily fish can cut the risk of cancer by up to 22%, a study of 25,000 Greeks found.

From the July 7, 2008, Prepared Foods e-Flash