Olive Oil Fuelled Mediterranean diet lowers obesity-linked cancer risk by 6%

Mediterranean Diet Could Help Fight Against Obesity

New Study Points To Mediterranean Diet Lowering Obesity-Linked Cancer Risk

A new study, from JAMA Netwok claims adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (which includes olive oil as a key fat source) could lower obesity-linked cancer risk by 6%.

According toa global study published in The Lancet, 50% of the adults and a third of the kids, teenagers, and young adults would be obese or overweight by 2050.

The figures, release to coincide with World Obesity Day in March, gave a stark warning about the risk of obesity as well as highlighting potential impact of The Mediterranean Diet on obesity-related cancer risk.

A summary of the research in The Daily Jang explained:

The research involving more than 450,000 participants aged 35-70 from ten different countries revealed that people who follow the Mediterranean diet have a six percent lower risk of developing obesity-related cancers.

Anton Bilchik, a surgical oncologist, said, “This research provides further evidence of how important a healthy diet low in fat, high in protein and vegetables, and eliminating processed food is in reducing the risk of cancer.”

Wael Harb, a haematologist and oncologist, added, “Encouraging adherence to the Mediterranean diet could serve as a non-pharmacologic intervention to reduce cancer risk, complementing existing prevention strategies like weight management and exercise.”

The study also found that the Mediterranean diet also helped former or current smokers but did not reduce the risk of postmenopausal breast, endometrial, or ovarian cancers in women.

The Mediterranean Diet And Reduced Obesity-Risk

Adopting the Mediterranean way of eating isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about promoting long-term health and vitality. Here are some of the key reasons The Mediterranean Diet can reduce obesity risk.

1. Nutrient-Dense, Calorically Moderate Foods

The Mediterranean diet prioritizes foods that pack a nutritional punch while being naturally low in calories. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are rich in fibre, which promotes satiety and prevents overeating.

2. Healthy Fats Curb Hunger

Not all fats are created equal. The monounsaturated fats in olive oil and nuts can keep you full longer, reducing the desire for unhealthy snacking. They also play a role in regulating hormones that control appetite.

3. Low in Refined Sugar

Sugary drinks, candies, and processed baked goods are closely linked with weight gain. By focusing on whole, natural ingredients with minimal sugar, the Mediterranean diet limits this risk factor.

4. Improved Insulin Sensitivity

Whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats contribute to better insulin sensitivity, which helps regulate blood sugar levels—a key factor in weight management.

5. Encourages an Active Lifestyle

The Mediterranean lifestyle goes beyond diet, incorporating daily physical activity, from long walks to active housework, supporting a calorie deficit naturally.

6. Sustainable Over the Long Term

Unlike restrictive fad diets, the Mediterranean diet is sustainable and enjoyable, making it easier for individuals to maintain a healthy weight over the years.

Mediterranean Diet And Obesity: What Does Science Say?

Numerous studies back up the connection between the Mediterranean diet and a reduced risk of obesity. For example:

• A study published in Nutrición Hospitalaria found that individuals adhering to the Mediterranean diet had lower BMI (body mass index) and waist measurements compared to those following Western diets.
• Research in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology showed that the Mediterranean diet supplemented with olive oil or nuts helped participants lose weight sustainably even without calorie counting.
• Additional reviews suggest that the high fiber content and focus on whole foods reduce overeating while improving metabolic health.

Do you want to lose weight and improve your wellness goals? If so, the Mediterranean diet may be a great option for you.

This diet is based on the traditional eating habits of people in countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. It is a diet for weight loss and help improve overall health. In this blog post, we will discuss how the Mediterranean diet can help you lose weight and help with wellness goals.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil And Reducing Cancer Risk

Numerous research studies document the anti-cancer benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, another staple in the Mediterranean Diet.

Research studies are providing better and better documentation for the anti-cancer benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Early studies in this area were largely limited to research using rats and mice or research on cell cultures in the lab. But more recent studies have looked at people incorporating Extra Virgin Olive Oil into their everyday meal plan and have found encouraging results.

As few as 1–2 tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil per day have been associated with decreased risk of breast, respiratory tract, and digestive tract cancers. In the case of the digestive tract, reduced risk seems more likely in the upper tract (stomach and small intestine) than in the lower digestive tract (large intestine, including the colon).

Scientists have looked at several different mechanisms that might allow Extra Virgin Olive Oil to provide these anti-cancer effects. One group of studies have focused on the secoiridoids, oleuropein and decarboxylmethyl oleuropein, and determined that these Extra Virgin Olive Oil phytonutrients help shift some of our metabolic pathways in the direction of better stress resistance. In addition, the overall phenolic content of Extra Virgin Olive Oil has been associated with a decreased ability of cancer cells to regenerate. At least some of this effect involves the ability of two phenols in Extra Virgin Olive Oil—tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol—to block activity of an enzyme called matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MM-2).

The powerful health benefits of polyphenols in extra virgin olive oil has been recognised in a top six hit list of foods that help minimise the risk of cancer.

The presence of Oleocanthal in extra virgin olive oil gives it top billing in a handy new guide from eastmojo.com which outlines key foods that reduce cancer risk. It says:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil contains a powerful compound called Oleocanthal, which aids in the killing of cancer cells in the body without harming healthy cells. Because of its numerous health advantages, this potent healthy oil is a staple of the Mediterranean Diet. It can easily be used as cooking oil or as a salad dressing.