Mediterranean diet may prevent prostate cancer
Mediterranean diet may prevent prostate cancer
14 Feb 2009
The traditional Cretan Mediterranean-style diet, based on a variety of plant foods, may help prevent prostate cancer, according to a review.
The researchers showed that dietary intake of fruits, vegetables, wholegrain cereals, nuts and legumes along with olive oil as the main source of fat may provide protection against cancer. Moreover, low intake of red meat, moderate to low intake of dairy foods, moderate to high intake of fish and moderate intake of wine, mostly consumed with meals, may be helpful in reducing the risk.
The study showed that strong adherence to the traditional Mediterranean diet was associated with reduced all cause, cardiovascular and cancer mortality, as well as decreased incidence of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.
During a Spanish study, men and women with elevated levels of cardiovascular risk factors were randomised to either of two “Mediterranean” diets, along with olive oil or nuts, or to a control low fat diet. After 3 months, the Mediterranean diet groups had lower mean plasma glucose, systolic blood pressure and total/HDL cholesterol ratio than the control group.
In another study, Italian adults with the Metabolic Syndrome were randomised to a “Mediterranean” diet or a “prudent” diet, both with similar macronutrient composition. Greater improvements were found in markers of vascular risk and endothelial function in the study group than the control group.
The evidence suggests that a traditional Greek or Cretan style diet is consistent with what humans have evolved to consume and may protect against common chronic diseases, including prostate cancer.
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