Instructions: Mediterranean Diet for Cancer Prevention

The so-called Mediterranean diet - a cuisine thats rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and omega-3 fatty acids and low in saturated fat - has been shown in some studies to reduce the risk of heart disease. Now French researchers say that this approach could lower the risk of cancer as well.

In a four-year study of about 600 men and women who survived a heart attack, those who ate a Mediterranean-style diet were about 60 percent less likely to develop cancer than people who followed the American Heart Associations (AHA) "Step 1" diet for high cholesterol, which restricts total fat to 30 percent and saturated fat to 10 percent of total calories. Seventeen people on the AHA diet developed cancer compared with seven in the other group. Those on the Mediterranean diet were also less likely to die from heart disease or other causes. The findings appeared in the June 8 Archives of Internal Medicine.

People following the Mediterranean diet were told to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, fish, breads, and cereals; fewer deli items and meats; and no butter or cream. Instead, they used olive and canola oils and an experimental canola oil margarine - all of which are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which some studies have shown to be protective against cancer. The volunteers were also allowed to drink moderate amounts of red wine with meals. While there were no specific guidelines for the amount of fat allowed, the group averaged 29 percent of calories from fat overall and just 7 to 8 percent from saturated fat.

While the type of fat may be one key piece in the Mediterranean approach, high consumption of fruits, vegetables, and grains is certainly also important for cancer prevention, says HealthNews associate editor George Blackburn, MD. 8/10/98

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