A valid ally in the fight against cancer, a food at the base of a healthy and balanced diet not only in terms of prevention but also of healing . We are talking about extra virgin olive oil, which by virtue of its many qualities and because of its unparalleled mine of antioxidants helps in the prevention against tumors.
Numerous epidemiological studies conducted mainly on women who have recovered from breast cancer demonstrate this: the evidence that has emerged indicates that repeated consumption of extra virgin olive oil is fundamental in preventing recurrences.
Among others, the EPIC (European Prospective Investigation into Cancer) research study, which included women from Italy, Greece and Spain , found that the group that strictly adhered to the Mediterranean dietary pattern showed a significant reduction (7%) in the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer compared to the group that adhered to it more loosely.
Another study conducted by the Veronesi Foundation in 2024 showed how - from the 12-year analysis of inflammatory, metabolic, cardiovascular and renal biomarkers of 22,892 participants, 11,976 women and 10,916 men with an average age at enrollment of 55.4 years - the highest consumption of olive oil reduced the association with all-cause mortality and cancer by 21.2% and 13.7%, respectively . With the indication of consuming at least three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil per day.
The PREDIMED study, the first clinical trial to evaluate the contribution of the Mediterranean diet in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, also collected information on breast cancer incidence as a secondary outcome . Participants were randomized to one of three study groups: the Mediterranean diet enriched with extra-virgin olive oil, the Mediterranean diet enriched with walnuts, and a control diet. And among the 4,152 women in the study, those assigned to the Mediterranean diet enriched with extra-virgin olive oil had a 68 percent lower risk of postmenopausal breast cancer compared with women in the control group . What's more, a 5 percent increase in calories from extra-virgin olive oil was associated with a 28 percent reduction in breast cancer risk: the higher the intake of extra-virgin olive oil, in essence, the lower the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer.
BETTER PROGNOSIS – In the PREDIMED study, researchers then came to several conclusions: the extra virgin olive oil diet reduced the number of cancerous lesions ; the number of tumors that developed was clearly and significantly low; the tumors were less aggressive and had a better prognosis . This beneficial effect could be related to oleic acid, the predominant monounsaturated fatty acid in extra virgin olive oil. This fatty acid has been observed to reduce the production of prostaglandins derived from arachidonic acid, which in turn plays a significant role in the production and development of tumors. However, it cannot be ruled out that other constituents of EVO oil, such as antioxidants, flavonoids, polyphenols and squalene, could also have a positive influence. Squalene, for example, is believed to have a favorable effect on the skin by reducing the incidence of melanomas.
ALL THE BENEFITS – There are also other positive implications of EVO oil: thanks to the sitosterol contained within it, extra virgin olive oil partially prevents the absorption of cholesterol by the small intestine and helps in cases of diseases such as Crohn's disease. It has also been documented as strengthening the immune system against external attacks by microorganisms, bacteria or viruses. It also has a positive effect in preventing the formation of blood clots and platelet aggregation. At the stomach level, it reduces the risk of flow or reflux of food and gastric juice from the stomach to the esophagus. EVO oil is also recommended in diseases in which it is necessary to maintain pancreatic function, such as pancreatic insufficiency, chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis and malabsorption syndromes.
(Unioneonline/vl)