Mediterranean Diet May Protect Breast

Following a Mediterranean-type diet might help women cut their risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. Researchers in Greece recruited almost 15,000 women and asked them about their eating habits. The women were then followed up for a decade to see who developed breast cancer. The dietary questionnaires were ranked from 0 to 9 based on how closely they adhered to a traditional Mediterranean diet low in meat and dairy and rich in vegetables, fruits, olive oil and fish. Women whose diets were ranked in the top third on the Mediterranean diet score were significantly less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer during the study. Although the benefits were modest, once again we are reminded that a Mediterranean-type diet is good for the heart, the brain and the breast.

[American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, online July 14, 2010]