Studies have proven repeatedly that the consumption of extra virgin olive oil plays a major role in lowering the risk of malignant tumors in breast, ovary and endometrium cancers.
Experiments show evidence that olive oil has influence on the hormones, the structure and function of membranes, and the whole immune system.
Researchers Menendez and Colomer suggest that the anti-cancer actions of extra virgin olive oil are related to its oleic acid’s ability to regulate cancer oncogenes. Studies indicate that phenols in extra virgin olive oil have the ability to block the development of cancer cells and also to stop the carcinogenesis and metastasis.
The chemical constituents in the olive oil can change the risk of disease, according to the extensively done studies. The protective effects of the chemical constituents of olive oil against colorectal cancer are very high in the Mediterranean region.
In Greece the mortality of the colorectal cancer is by 40% lower than the one in England. This is the result of extra virgin olive oil consumption.
The oleic acid in olive oil is the biggest health promoting property. It decreases cancer incidence with some help from the phenolic compounds. Oleic acid suppresses the Her-2 oncogene which plays a major role in the response of chemotherapy. The Her-2 oncogene in breast cancer is associated with resistance to chemotherapy. Olive oil regulates the malignant behavior of cancer cells.
The Mediterranean diet is the diet with the lowest episodes of heart disease, colon and prostate cancers, due to its main component –extra virgin olive oil– which contains 30 plus phenolic compounds. These compounds prevent carcinogenesis and has been proven that their presence in the diet of populations, is responsible for the low risk of tumor development.
Olive oil is very high in squalene which also plays a major role in reducing the cancer risk effects. The vitamin E which also is an important antioxidant, plays a major role in the protection against cancer.
Olive oil is a super food with an endless amount of constituents that work together to contribute in the beneficial effects against colorectal, breast and colon cancers.