Study: Plant-Forward Mediterranean Lifestyle Lowers Risk of Dying From Cancer by 28 Percent

The Mediterranean region has long been known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. But did you know that it is also home to two out of the five Blue Zones, regions where people live substantially longer and healthier lives? Icaria, Greece and Sardinia, Italy are Mediterranean Blue Zones, and researchers have been working tirelessly to uncover what sets these regions apart and how their lifestyle choices contribute to their longevity.

A recent study conducted by La Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has shed new light on the benefits of following a Mediterranean lifestyle, specifically in relation to cancer mortality. Published in the scientific journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings, the research delved into the lifestyle’s impact on mortality rates, particularly from cancer, among adults in the United Kingdom.

Plant-forward Mediterranean Lifestyle and Cancer

The study focused on analyzing the habits of 110,799 members of the UK Biobank cohort, aged 40 to 75. Researchers used the Mediterranean Lifestyle (MEDLIFE) index to assess participants’ adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle. The index took into account three main categories: food consumption, dietary habits, and physical activity, rest, and social habits.

After a follow-up period of nine years, the study revealed remarkable findings. Participants who adhered to a Mediterranean lifestyle had a 29 percent lower risk of all-cause mortality and a staggering 28 percent lower risk of cancer mortality. These results provide compelling evidence of the positive impact that a plant-forward Mediterranean lifestyle can have on overall health and longevity.

Intriguingly, the study suggests that people living outside of the Mediterranean region can adopt these lifestyle changes and enjoy similar benefits. Lead author Mercedes Sotos Prieto stated, “This study suggests that it’s possible for non-Mediterranean populations to adopt the Mediterranean diet using locally available products and to adopt the overall Mediterranean lifestyle within their own cultural contexts. We’re seeing the transferability of the lifestyle and its positive effects on health.”

Health Benefits of Plant-Forward Mediterranean Diets

While the study highlighted the importance of food habits, including a focus on whole grains and fruits and limiting salt intake, it emphasized that the “physical activity, rest, and social habits and conviviality” category had the strongest association with lower risks of mortality. The Mediterranean lifestyle isn’t just about what you eat but also how you live.

The focus on plant-forward aspects of the Mediterranean lifestyle has been gaining traction in recent years. Actor John Goodman, for instance, lost a remarkable 200 pounds by following a “Mediterranean-style eating plan” developed by his health coach Mackie Shilstone. While it’s unclear whether Goodman’s version of the Mediterranean diet included animal products, a 2021 study in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that a low-fat plant-based diet led to better weight loss results compared to traditional Mediterranean diets, which typically include small amounts of animal products.

But it’s not just about weight loss. Another recent study presented at Nutrition 2023 highlighted the significant role of olive oil, a key component of the Mediterranean diet, in reducing the risk of dying from dementia by 28 percent. Olive oil’s unique properties and potential direct and indirect effects on brain health add another dimension to the broad-spectrum benefits of the Mediterranean lifestyle.

Furthermore, the Mediterranean lifestyle extends its influence to cognitive development in children. A study on the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet, originally designed for older adults, suggested potential improvements in children’s attentional abilities. This suggests that adopting a Mediterranean lifestyle can have a lifelong impact on overall health and well-being.

The Plant-Based Mediterranean Lifestyle in a Global Context

What sets this study apart from previous research is its examination of the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle outside of its region of origin. The findings suggest that the Mediterranean lifestyle is transferable, and non-Mediterranean populations can reap similar health benefits by using locally available products and adopting the lifestyle within their own cultural context.

These insights offer a valuable contribution to understanding the potential of a Mediterranean lifestyle in lowering cancer mortality rates. Other studies have also pointed to a growing link between fully plant-based diets and a decreased risk of various types of cancer, including prostate, colorectal, and breast cancer.

Related Facts

• – The Mediterranean region is home to two out of the five Blue Zones, regions where people have substantially longer and healthier lives.
• – Adopting a plant-forward Mediterranean lifestyle can lower the risk of all-cause mortality by 29 percent and cancer mortality by 28 percent.
• – The Mediterranean lifestyle’s benefits extend beyond physical health, with potential positive impacts on cognitive development and dementia prevention.
• – Research suggests that non-Mediterranean populations can adopt a Mediterranean lifestyle and reap similar health benefits using locally available products.
• – Plant-forward aspects of the Mediterranean lifestyle, including a focus on whole grains, fruits, and healthy fats, have been associated with weight loss and improved overall health.

Key Takeaway

This study provides further evidence of the profound impact that adopting a plant-forward Mediterranean lifestyle can have on overall health and longevity. It highlights the importance of not only what we eat but also how we live, emphasizing the significance of physical activity, rest, and social habits. Moreover, the study suggests that people outside of the Mediterranean region can adopt this lifestyle and enjoy similar health benefits by using locally available products and embracing the Mediterranean way of life within their cultural context.

Conclusion

As research continues to unravel the secrets of the Blue Zones and the Mediterranean lifestyle, it becomes increasingly clear that the way we live and the choices we make can significantly impact our health and well-being. The findings from this study, conducted by La Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, add to the growing body of evidence supporting the benefits of a plant-forward Mediterranean lifestyle. By adopting this lifestyle, individuals can reduce their risk of dying from cancer by 28 percent and enjoy a multitude of other benefits, including cognitive enhancement, affordability, weight loss, and dementia prevention. It’s time for us to embrace the power of the Mediterranean lifestyle and make healthier choices for a longer and healthier life.