The Mediteranian Diet

Is the Mediteranian Diet a natural and effective treatment for Prostate cancer? A growing body of scientific evidence suggests that consuming a Mediterranean-style diet yields significant health benefits including the reduced likelihood of cardiovascular disease and cancer. This approach to nutrition refers to an age-old eating pattern typical of the traditional diets found in Southern Italy, Greece, and Spain. This diet is particularly important for men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), also called hormone therapy, since they are at higher risk for both cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome (pre-diabetes).

The Mediterranean diet focuses on fresh, whole foods as compared to the highly processed foods found in the typical American diet. The diet is higher in vegetables, legumes (beans and peas), fruits, nuts and whole grains. The main fat used is olive oil and there is less use of highly saturated fats like butter and lard. Instead of beef and poultry as the main animal protein, the Mediterranean diet suggests mostly fish with some dairy products. Most of the dairy foods are in the form of cultured products like cheeses and yogurt. The lower intake of poultry and red meats is coupled with a moderate consumption of red wine, preferably with meals.

For a book that will provide specific recipes that conform to the principles discussed here I recommend The Miami Mediterranean Diet: Lose Weight and Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease with 300 Delicious Recipes found at Amazon.com for about $12.

The Mediterranean Diet has been proven to reduce the degenerative factors that lead to many of our most dangerous diseases. While this pattern of eating has been touted primarily as a way to prevent cardiovascular disease and diabetes, many Prostate Cancer specialists suggest that it also provides significant benefits in slowing the progression of Prostate Cancer. They speculate that these benefits are related to the olive oil and fish oil, both major components of the Mediterreanean diet.

Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid that is the main component of olive oil and has been shown to block an oncogene that boosts the growth of cancer cells. Also, the polyphenol-rich compounds in olive oil are powerful antioxidants which reduce oxidative DNA. The omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have shown promise in slowing the progression of prostate cancer by reducing dangerous inflammation and promoting healthy gene expression. If you find it too difficult to adhere to this type of diet the Life Extension Foundation (see banner upper right) has an excellent supplement called “Super Omega-3” providing large quantities of both components. However, it is always preferable to get your nutrients from fresh whole foods.

Although the Mediterranean diet is moderately high in fat, it is primarily monounsaturated fat from olive oil and nuts. Red wine is also a staple of the Mediterranean diet and has certain cholesterol reducing effects. Studies suggest that Prostate Cancer is worsened by high Cholesterol. In one study it was found that men with prostate cancer were more likely to have had high cholesterol levels than men without prostate cancer. The association was more pronounced for men who had high cholesterol at a younger age and for men over 65. This research corresponds to recent findings that men taking prescription statins (medication to reduce cholesterol such as Crestor, Lescol, Lipitor, Mevacor, Pravachol, and Zocor) experienced a slowing of progression in their prostate cancer. If you have Prostate cancer and your cholesterol is over 200 you should talk to your doctor about adding one of the statin drugs.

In summary, the Mediterranean diet works because it significantly reduces saturated fat consumption and totally eliminates trans fats from your diet. The net result is a reduction in atherosclerosis and significant improvement in overall cardiovascular health. This pattern of eating also reduces inflammation while providing significant quantities of free radical-fighting antioxidants.