Mediterranean diet

As the name suggests, a Mediterranean diet is the traditional diet of people living in the Mediterranean region (Spain, Italy, Greece, etc.). This diet primarily incorporates simplicity and moderation by essentially focusing on plant-based and unprocessed foods. Here is a quick look at what it entails:

Also, don’t forget to get generous amounts of exercise to complete the diet.

Mediterranean Diet and Cancer

Apart from lowering blood pressure, improving blood glucose control, and lowering bad cholesterol, the Mediterranean diet has been associated with the prevention and reduced risk of mortality in various types of Cancer.

• Many studies have shown that following this diet is associated with a lower risk of gastric adenocarcinoma (a type of stomach cancer).
• Although the results are inconsistent, some studies suggest that this diet might be associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer.
• In 2017, in a systematic review and meta-analysis, it was found that strong adherence to the Ketogenic diet was associated with lower cancer mortality. Further, it also reduced the risk of various types of cancer.
• In a 2015 study among the patients with the highest conformity to the Mediterranean diet, the following observations were made:
  • 4% reduction of total cancer incidence
  • 14% reduction in cancer mortality
  • 9% reduction in colorectal cancer incidence
• In another review of meta-analyses of observational studies and randomized trials, it was found that this diet reduced the risk of overall cancer incidence.

Key Points

• The Mediterranean diet, traditionally consumed in the areas around the Mediterranean Sea, focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and olive oil.
• LHC’s interest is based on several meta-analyses finding that following the Mediterranean diet reduces incidence of or mortality from cancer.
• In one analysis, the strongest adherence to a Mediterranean diet was inversely associated with reductions of incidence of colorectal, breast, gastric, liver, head and neck, gallbladder, and biliary tract cancers.
• No evidence suggests that a Mediterranean Diet, or any other diet with anticancer properties, is effective as a stand-alone treatment for cancer.

References & More Information

1. Credit: Beyond Conventional Care Therapies
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13. Zazpe I, Sanchez-Tainta A, Estruch R, et al. A large randomized individual and group intervention conducted by registered dietitians increased adherence to Mediterranean-type diets: the PREDIMED study. J Am Diet Assoc. Jul 2008;108(7):1134-1144; discussion 1145.
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16. American Institute for Cancer Research: Mediterranean Diet, Heart Disease and Cancer Risk
17. WebMD: Mediterranean, DASH Top Best Diets List
18. Lorenzo Cohen and Alison Jefferies: Anticancer Living: Transform Your Life and Health with the Mix of Six
19. BCCT: Beyond Conventional Cancer Therapies