One Healthy Habit Leads to Another, Consuming Fruits to Quit Smoking

January 15th, 2013

A recent study from the University of Buffalo cited in Men’s Health, found that smokers who ate more fruits and vegetables tended to smoke less and were three times as likely to quit smoking than their counterparts.  Another observation is that they also waited later in the day to have their first smoke.  It is believed that fruits could alter the taste buds so that the taste of tobacco is no longer pleasurable, like when you drink orange juice after brushing your teeth.  Another thought is that eating fruits satisfies hunger, which smokers may misinterpret as being a need to smoke.  While I’m not sure increasing your intake of fruit can replace other treatments for nicotine dependence, it is always good to get the antioxidants in fruits to counteract the carcinogens in tobacco.  Very few people in the U.S. get the recommended 3-5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day.  This is yet another reason why we all should.