Mediterranean Diet and Cancer

Since the emergence of the Mediterranean diet through the Seven Countries Study, much research has been conducted to show that adherence to this dietary pattern is associated with a lower risk of developing chronic health conditions, including cancer.

The results of a meta-analysis of 83 studies reported that a greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a 24% lower risk for cancer-related death. The same study also reported that higher compliance with the Mediterranean dietary model led to a lower risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as cancer of the colon, breast, liver, head, neck and stomach.[1]

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet may act beneficially against the risk of developing cancer due to its high content in nutrients with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

For example, the Mediterranean diet emphasises the consumption of fruits and vegetables, which are good sources of substances widely known for their antioxidant action, such as vitamins C and E, carotenoids and flavonoids. In fact, there are strong indications that high consumption of fruits and vegetables is related to a lower risk of cancer of the upper digestive tract (e.g. mouth, oesophagus) and possibly the colon.

In addition, the base of the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid includes whole grains, which may contribute to the cancer-combating action of the Mediterranean diet. The high consumption of minimally processed whole grains has been associated with a reduced risk of various types of cancers, such as colorectal cancer. The beneficial properties of these foods are attributable mainly to the dietary fibre they contain, which is said to act protectively by binding carcinogenic substances or by decreasing the time it takes them to pass through the gastrointestinal tract.

Moreover, the potential benefits of the Mediterranean diet may also be due to its high polyphenol content, substances with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects found in foods, such as olive oil, wine and vegetables that are key components of this dietary model.

It is no wonder that the dietary guidelines issued by international health organisations for cancer prevention, including the International Agency for Research on Cancer, are in line with the principles of the Mediterranean diet.

To conclude, the adoption of the Mediterranean diet may help to ensure better health and avoid serious chronic health conditions, such as cancer, that plague modern society.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

[1] Schwingshackl L, Schwedhelm C, Galbete C, Hoffmann G. Adherence to Mediterranean diet and risk of cancer: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrients 2017 9(10): 1063. doi: 10.3390/nu9101063.