Garlic and onion consumption could help cut the risk of cancer in women, German scientists have claimed.

According to research by the German Institute for Food Research in Potsdam, Berlin, women who eat large quantities of the alliums are less likely to contract Fallopian tube cancer.

Leeks and chives are also being tipped for their cancer fighting substances, which include organic sulphur compounds.

However, the results are not certain, and the German scientists said further long-term studies are required.

The study evaluated data relating to around 325,000 women from 10 countries.