Mandarins could benefit from the latest health buzz as new research suggests they could cut the risk of developing liver cancer.

Research has shown that eating the fruit could help prevent liver disease, hardened arteries and insulin resistance, and that drinking mandarin juice can cut the risk of chronic viral hepatitis liver cancer, according to a BBC report.

Japanese scientists studied a town of over a thousand people who regularly ate mandarins and found evidence in blood samples linked to a lower risk of developing several conditions.

In a separate study undertaken by Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, a group of 30 people drinking the juice for one year had no liver cancer compared to a rate of 8.9 per cent among 45 people who did not drink the juice.

Experts said the results were on too small a scale to prove anything conclusive. However, a cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation told the BBC: “This research appears to support the BHF recommendation of eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

“Different coloured fruit and vegetables contain different vitamins and minerals, so the more types of fruit and vegetables you can include in your diet the better.”

However, Cancer Research UK spokesman Ed Yong said: "These studies are far too small to tell us anything conclusive about whether mandarin oranges protect against liver cancer.

"Smoking, and cirrhosis of the liver caused by excessive alcohol consumption, are more likely to affect your risk of the disease.

"Cancer Research UK recommends eating five daily portions of fruit and vegetables as part of a balanced diet to reduce the risk of cancer. But it is unclear if any specific fruits have particularly strong benefits."

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