Mediterranean Diet Helps Cancer Survivors Live Longer

We often hear the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” but new research suggests that the Mediterranean diet might do even more. A groundbreaking study has found that this diet can help cancer survivors live longer.

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Key Findings

A 13-year study conducted by researchers in Italy has revealed significant benefits of the Mediterranean diet for cancer survivors. This diet, which includes a lot of fish, olive oil, and vegetables, can significantly improve the longevity of those who follow it after their treatment.

• Lower Risk of Premature Death: Cancer survivors who adopted the Mediterranean diet after their treatment had a 32% lower chance of dying early.
• Reduced Heart-Related Mortality: There was also a 60% reduction in the risk of dying from heart-related issues.

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Study Details

The researchers tracked the dietary habits of 800 cancer survivors over 13 years, starting in the late 2000s. They found that the high levels of antioxidants in foods like fruits, clean protein, and olive oil played a significant role in improving the survivors’ longevity.

Chiara Tonelli, one of the researchers, emphasized the importance of these antioxidants in contributing to the health benefits observed in the study.

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Common Links Between Diseases

The study also highlighted a connection between heart disease and cancer. According to researcher Maria Benedetta Donati, both chronic diseases share similar molecular mechanisms. This concept is known in medical literature as “common soil,” meaning that these diseases originate from similar underlying conditions.

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Future Research and Related Findings

The research team plans to delve deeper into specific foods within the Mediterranean diet to uncover more detailed information. Meanwhile, other studies have shown that certain foods can increase the risk of cancer. These include various types of meat, especially red and fried meats, as well as alcohol.

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Conclusion

The Mediterranean diet, rich in fish, olive oil, and vegetables, offers substantial health benefits for cancer survivors, including longer life and reduced heart-related mortality. As researchers continue to explore the specifics of this diet, it becomes increasingly clear that our food choices play a crucial role in our overall health and longevity.

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References:

• U.S. News & World Report
• Study on Mediterranean diet and cancer survivors by Italian researchers