A groundbreaking new study has uncovered that following a Mediterranean diet can help cancer survivors live longer. The research highlights the potential benefits of this diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, in improving the longevity and overall health of those who have battled cancer.

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” but the Mediterranean diet might do the same.

A groundbreaking 13-year study has revealed that a diet rich in fish, olive oil, and vegetables can help cancer survivors live longer. Those who adopted the diet after completing their treatment had a 32% lower chance of premature death and a 60% reduction in heart-related mortality risk.

Italian researchers discovered these findings by studying 800 cancer survivors over 13 years, starting in the late 2000s, and tracking their dietary habits throughout the period.

As the Mediterranean diet emphasizes healthy foods such as fruits, clean protein, and olive oil, researcher Chiara Tonelli believes their high antioxidant content contributes to the longevity advantage.

Additionally, the research team found a link between the underlying causes of heart disease and cancer, suggesting that the Mediterranean diet’s benefits extend across multiple health conditions.

“Different chronic diseases, such as tumors and heart diseases, actually share the same molecular mechanisms,” researcher Maria Benedetta Donati explained, as reported by U.S. News & World Report.

“This is known in the medical literature as ‘common soil,’ namely a common ground from which these two groups of disorders originate,” she added.

The research team now aims to delve deeper into specific foods within the Mediterranean diet to uncover more detailed insights.

For example

1. Red Meat: Consumption of red meat, particularly processed meats like sausages and hot dogs, has been associated with higher risks of certain types of cancer, such as colorectal cancer. This association is believed to be due to compounds formed during cooking and processing, as well as the high content of saturated fats.
2. Fried Foods: Foods that are deep-fried or cooked at high temperatures can form carcinogenic compounds, such as acrylamide and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These compounds are formed when starchy foods (like potatoes) are fried at high temperatures.
3. Alcohol: Alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including liver, breast, and colorectal cancers. The ethanol in alcohol is metabolized into acetaldehyde, a known carcinogen, which can damage DNA and lead to cancerous changes.

Overall, these findings underscore the importance of dietary choices in cancer prevention. While the Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, has shown protective effects, consumption of red and processed meats, fried foods, and alcohol may contribute to higher cancer risks.