The Protective Effect of the Mediterranean Diet: Focus on Cancer and Cardiovascular Risk

Abstract

The lower occurrence of cancer and cardiovascular disease in the population around the Mediterranean basin has been linked to the dietary habits of the region. Indeed, this so-called Mediterranean diet is essentially different from the diets consumed in Western and Northern European countries and is rich in nuts, fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole-wheat bread, fish, and olive oil, with moderate amounts of red wine, which is mainly consumed during meals. Although a variety of cultural and religious traditions exist among the peoples of the Mediterranean area, olive oil, fish, and red wine hold a traditional and central position in the culinary routines of the region. The components of the diet contain an ample source of molecules with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, among which omega-3 fatty acids, oleic acid, and phenolic compounds hold a prominent place. This review will summarize the results of important epidemiological studies that have investigated the protective effect of fish and olive oil on the risk of breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer and of wine on the risk of cardiovascular disease. The present review also aims to elucidate the various mechanisms by which various dietary components exhibit their beneficial action. In this respect, emphasis will be placed on the properties of omega-3 fatty acids from fish, oleic acid from olive oil, and phenolic compounds from olive oil and red wine.

Lifestyle Components and Primary Breast Cancer Prevention

“…Over the past three decades numerous studies have documented that products of natural origin play a critical role against cancer (Pauwels, 2010;Patel, 2012;Tsuji et al, 2012;Alegre et al, 2013;Ma et al, 2013). For example, Zheng et al (2013) have maintained that a high caloric and fat intake, low consumption of vegetables and fruits, alcohol drinking and environmental pollution are the major risk factors for BC in Asian population.…”

Mechanics behind Breast Cancer Prevention - Focus on Obesity, Exercise and Dietary Fat

“…The 'Mediterranean diet' and its components have been investigated for their potential to reduce an individual's risk for cancer. The 'Mediterranean diet' includes food generally consumed within this region including nuts, fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole-wheat bread, fish, olive oil (OO) and red wine (Pauwels, 2010). Within this diet, olive oil appears to reduce breast cancer risk specifically (Tsuji et al, 2012).…”

Chemical Characterization of Oils and Fats from Amazonian Fruits by ¹H NMR

“…The benefits of oleic acid are reported to be associated to synergy with other components obtained from the diet when there is frequent consumption of olive oil (rich in oleic acid), fish (rich in linolenic acid) and red wine (or olives) (rich in polyphenols) [16,17]. In addition, a great highlight is given to the presence of oleic acid in the diet, as it has been associated to beneficial effects on cancer [18], autoimmune [18] and rheumatic diseases [19], anti-inflammatory [20], beneficial effects on diabetes mellitus [21], reduction of coronary heart disease [16], among others.…”