Eating fruits and vegetables is healthy, most agree. But scientists hoping to discover reasons for the health benefits have invited medical and horticultural researchers to a forum to exchange information.

The second International Symposium on Human Health Effects of Fruit and Vegetables will be Aug. 17-21 at the Loews Le Concorde here.

Organizers expect more than 150 scientists from 28 countries to hear presentations about the effect of fruit and vegetable consumption on the prevention or cure of common diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative ailments, according to conference organizers.

"Our lifestyles have changed and so have (our) eating habits ... and not necessarily for the better," said Dr. Bhimu Patil, director of Texas A&M University's Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center. "Great interest has surged worldwide on the role fruits and vegetables have on health."

Patil is hosting the symposium with Yves Desjardins, academic director of Lavel University's Institute on Nutraceutical and Functional Foods in Quebec.

A list of speakers and the program, along with information on attending the conference, can be found at http://FAVhealth2005.org. Or contact the Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center at (979) 862-4951.