Mediterranean diet rather than food trends prevents cancer

By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press

ISTANBUL, TURKEY — Prof. Dr. Mustafa Özdoğan from Memorial Göztepe Hospital Cancer Center announced that balanced nutritional models like the Mediterranean diet protect against cancer, contrary to popular restrictive food trends.

According to research, sustainable eating habits focusing on vegetables, olive oil, and whole grains significantly reduce the risk of many chronic diseases, especially colorectal cancer, instead of diets aiming to completely cut out gluten or carbohydrates. Dr. Özdoğan stated that healthy nutrition is possible through a balanced and sustainable model rather than targeting a single food item.

Holistic approach lowers cancer risk

Research shows that the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in vegetables, fruits, olive oil, whole grains, and fish, protects intestinal health due to its antioxidant-rich and low-inflammatory effects. According to Özdoğan, this holistic approach creates an environment that prevents cancer development by reducing cellular damage.

Shaped during the poverty period after World War II and entering medical literature with the "Seven Countries Study" by American scientist Ancel Keys in the 1950s, the Mediterranean diet is still referenced today as the healthiest nutritional model against chronic diseases.

Gluten is not the only culprit

Pointing out that gluten has been shown as the cause of many diseases, including cancer, in recent years, Özdoğan stated that scientific data does not support this approach. According to experts, there is no strong evidence that gluten poses a direct cancer risk for the general population, excluding those diagnosed with celiac disease.

Noting that the real problem is often the excessive consumption of processed, refined, and low-fiber foods, Özdoğan mentioned that gluten-free products usually contain less fiber and can be weak in terms of nutritional value. Whole grains were noted to be essential components that actively support intestinal health.

Moderation instead of extremes

Reminding that the Mediterranean diet is based on balance rather than prohibitions, experts state that when evaluating a meal, individuals should focus on what is added rather than what is removed.

"Protection from cancer is possible not by removing a single food from our lives, but by consistently maintaining the right nutritional model. Health is often hidden not in radical changes, but in maintaining the right balance."

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