Do Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet Go Beyond Cardioprotection?

A randomized trial suggests this diet can lower risk for breast cancer.

The Mediterranean diet (MeD), with its emphasis on plant-based foods, fish, and olive oil, has cardiovascular benefits; limited evidence also suggests the MeD can lower incidence of cancer. To examine the effect of the MeD on breast cancer incidence, researchers in Spain conducted a secondary analysis of a large randomized trial originally designed to assess cardiovascular effects of the MeD (supplemented either with extra-virgin olive oil [EVOO] or nuts) versus a conventional reduced-fat diet in persons at high cardiovascular risk (NEJM JW Gen Med Apr 1 2013 and N Engl J Med 2013; 368:1279). Participants included 4282 white women (mean baseline age, 68). The trial was stopped after a median of 4.8 years because of cardiovascular benefit.

Th…

Reviewing Author

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Do Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet Go Beyond Cardioprotection?

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Reviewing Author