The Mediterranean diet is a well-known and popular eating plan that is based on the traditional foods and cooking styles of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. It emphasizes the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, fish, and olive oil, while limiting red meat and processed foods. Not only is the Mediterranean diet known for its delicious and flavorful dishes, but it is also associated with numerous health benefits.
One recent study conducted by the European Prospective Investigation Into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) found that higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet is linked to a modest reduction in the risk of obesity-related cancers. The study, titled “Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Obesity-Linked Cancer Risk in EPIC,” was published in JAMA Network Open. The research focused on the incidence of obesity-related cancers according to the 2015 International Agency for Research on Cancer criteria.
The EPIC study enrolled over 500,000 participants aged 35 to 70 across 23 centers in 10 European countries between 1992 and 2000. After exclusions for various factors, the analysis included 450,111 participants. Dietary intake was assessed through country-specific questionnaires, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet was calculated using a 9-point Mediterranean Diet Score (MedDiet).
Participants were categorized into low, medium, or high adherence groups based on their MedDiet score. The study utilized multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models to adjust for potential confounders such as smoking, physical activity, education, alcohol intake, and more. Additionally, mediation analyses were conducted to examine the roles of body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) in the association between the Mediterranean diet and cancer risk.
Over a median follow-up period of nearly 15 years, 4.9% of participants developed obesity-related cancers. High adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a 6% lower risk of these cancers compared to low adherence. Medium adherence also showed a similar though statistically insignificant inverse association. Interestingly, no significant mediation by BMI or WHR was observed in the study.
Furthermore, site-specific analyses revealed inverse associations between high Mediterranean diet adherence and the risks of colorectal, hepatocellular, and kidney cancers. These findings highlight the potential protective effects of the Mediterranean diet against certain types of cancer, particularly those related to obesity.
Overall, this study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet. By incorporating the principles of this eating plan into your daily routine, you may not only enjoy delicious and nutritious meals but also reduce your risk of obesity-related cancers. So why not take a culinary journey to the Mediterranean and savor the flavors of this heart-healthy diet? Your body will thank you for it.
