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.