PROVIDENCE – Researchers at The Miriam Hospital say a plant-based, olive oil diet similar to the Mediterranean diet can improve the health of men with recurrent prostate cancer. The findings were presented recently at the American Dietetic Association’s 2010 Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo in Boston.
Researchers said that these findings may be of significance to men who have been treated with androgen deprivation therapy, a common treatment that blocks the level of circulating androgens (male hormones), which can fuel the growth of prostate cancers.
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According to Miriam researchers, the men who followed the olive oil diet lost an average of 12.4 pounds in an eight-week period. In addition, they lost an average of just over two inches in their waistline, and experienced significant improvements in their triglyceride levels.
“My plant-based olive oil diet is based on foods that research suggests will improve health, such as vegetables, nuts and olive oil, so it is a healthy diet for weight loss,” said lead author Mary Flynn, a research dietitian at The Miriam Hospital. “Our study shows that the diet was not only successful as a weight loss tool for these men, but our participants liked the diet and planned to stay on it.”
Extra virgin olive oil has been shown to decrease blood pressure, fasting insulin, glucose, oxidation and inflammation – all risk factors for heart disease and some cancers. Extra virgin olive oil, because it’s a healthy fat, it also keeps the stomach fuller longer, so individuals are less likely to snack between meals. According to Flynn, the health benefits of olive oil start at about two tablespoons per day, which research shows will improve insulin function and lower blood pressure.
“It’s possible that someday we may be able to recommend a diet that will prevent the development of metabolic syndrome in men being treated for recurrent prostate cancer, which would greatly decrease their risk of heart disease,” said Flynn.
A separate study led by Flynn earlier this year also showed that a plant-based, olive oil diet produced greater weight loss in breast cancer survivors compared to a more traditional low-fat diet.
