It has long been known that the Olive Oil rich Mediterranean diet has a positive effect on cancer risk. Scientists believe that they have now found the ingredient which produces this positive effect, oleic acid.
Northwestern University laboratory did tests on breast cancer cells. The results pointed to the oleic acid decreasing the levels of a gene which is believed to trigger the cancer. The acid also improved the effect of the anti-cancer drug herceptin.
Lead researcher Dr Javier Menendez said: "Our findings underpin epidemiological studies that show that the Mediterranean diet has significant protective effects against cancer, heart disease and ageing."
