Reduce the Risk of Cancer with Mediterranean Diet

Posted on July 3, 2008 in Latest News

According to a latest research study simply by including few elements of Mediterranean Diet can reduce the risk of cancer by 12%. The research study was conducted on 26,000 Greek people and the researchers found that consuming more olive oil alone reduces the risk by 9%. The research study was published in British Journal of Cancer.

Researchers developed interest in Mediterranean Diet after observing decreased rate of illness such as heart diseases in countries like Greece and Spain. As per the research report Mediterranean diet included higher amount of cereals, vegetables, fruits and lesser quantity of red meat. According to another research study eating higher amount of broccoli reduces the risk of prostate cancer in men.

Researchers observed dietary habits of people living in Mediterranean countries like Greece and Spain. They found that people living there eat more fish and vegetables and less quantity of red meat. Researchers even observed that people preferred cooking in olive oil and drank alcohol in moderation.

Harvard University researchers asked thousands of Greece residents to keep a record of food consumed over a period of 8 years. The research study included people of different age groups. Researchers used a scoring system to rank the adherence of people towards Mediterranean diet. Keeping various aspects in mind researchers compared worst scoring group with the group followed the diet closely.

The research study was led by Dr. Dimitrios Trichopoulos, said: “Adjusting one’s overall dietary habits towards the traditional Mediterranean pattern had an important effect.” Researchers found that simply by consuming more of unsaturated fats like olive oil decreases the risk of cancer development by 9%. The risk was further reduced by 12% by making 2 dietary changes like high consumption of lentils, beans and peas and reduced amount of red meat.

“The research highlighted the importance of a healthy balanced diet. It shows there are a number of things you can do, and there is no one ’superfood’ that can stop you developing the disease.” Sara Hiom of Cancer Research UK said. In another similar research study conducted by Institute of Food Research, Norwich suggests the cancer cutting benefits of broccoli.

The research was mainly concentrated on men with higher risk of prostate cancer. The study was conducted by including 400gms of broccoli or peas in the diet and researchers compared the effects. The research results suggest that broccoli or other members of cruciferous family like Brussels sprouts or cauliflower has the potential to reduce or prevent the disease development.

This research study was published in Public Library of Science Journal and it was led by Professor Richard Mithen. Prof. Richard Mithen said: “Eating two or three portions of cruciferous vegetables per week, and maybe a few more if you lack the GSTM1 gene – should be encouraged.” Medical Director, Cancer Partners, UK, Professor Karol Sikora said: “Although the observation period was too short and the numbers too small to show that the incidence of cancer actually fell, it is the first clear demonstration that broccoli and presumably other cruciferous vegetables may well reduce cancer risk.”

Source: Mediterranean Diet ‘Cuts Cancer’

Comments

Leave a Reply