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Posted on Jul 01, 2008, 8 p.m.
By Jeanelle Topping
People who adopt a Mediterranean diet could significantly reduce their risk of getting cancer, according to scientific research.
People who adopt a Mediterranean diet could significantly reduce their risk of getting cancer, according to scientific research.
Researchers at Harvard University studied the diet of 26,000 Greek people and discovered that by eating less red meat and consuming more peas, beans and lentils, people can cut the risk of cancer by up to 12 per cent.
Dr Dimitrios Trichopoulos told the BBC: "Adjusting one's overall dietary habits towards the traditional Mediterranean pattern had an important effect."
Scientists also found that by eating unsaturated fats such as olive oil people can reduce the risk of cancer by up to nine per cent.
Speaking to the BBC, Sara Hiom, from Cancer Research UK, said: "It shows there are a number of things you can do and there is no one 'superfood' that can stop you developing the disease."
The investigation into the benefits of eating a Mediterranean diet can be found in the British Journal of Cancer.
