Mediterranean Diet and Cancer

It is generally accepted that diet is an important factor in the aetiology of cancer. The scientific evidence for detailed recommendations with respect to cancer prevention is limited by the difficulty in designing and implementing strictly controlled intervention studies to support the role of single foods or nutrients.

However, there is some evidence supporting the beneficial effects of components of the Mediterranean diet. For example, the link between animal fat intake and colorectal cancer is particularly strong. In contrast, Greece, Spain and southern Italy, where animal fat intakes are low and olive oil intake is high, have relatively low colon cancer mortality rates. High fiber foods, such as those found in the Mediterranean diet, are also protective against colorectal cancer.

A high intake of fruit and vegetables (particularly raw vegetables) protects against cancers at various sites, especially those of the digestive and respiratory tracts and the hormone-related cancers. Fruit and vegetables contain a variety of anti-carcinogenic agents: carotenoids, vitamins C and E, dietary fiber, selenium, glucosinolate, indoles, flavenoids, protease inhibitors and plant sterols. Only the actions of antioxidant vitamins and pro-vitamins are supported by epidemiological studies at present, but it is likely that all have a protective role in certain circumstances.

Olive oil has been shown to have an effect in preventing breast cancer, and there is evidence for its role in colon, endometrium and ovary cancer prevention. There is no evidence implicating either olive oil or fruit and vegetables in causing or promoting cancer at any site.

The Europe against Cancer program made the following recommendations on nutrition and diet:
1) Increase the daily intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as high-fiber grain products.
2) Avoid obesity, increase regular physical activity and limit the intake of high-fat foods
3) Reduce alcohol consumption.

These recommendations are largely fulfilled by following the traditional Mediterranean-style diet.


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