The researchers suggest the link exists because the Mediterranean diet is high in anti-inflammatory foods. On the other hand, the specific role which the diet plays in the role of bladder cancer isn’t fully understood.
The Mediterranean diet is low in salt and uses other herbs as a means of adding flavor to food. It also doesn’t use butter, but olive oil, which provides healthy fat. Lastly, red meat consumption is limited to about once a month, and the rest of the protein comes from poultry or fish.
The study looked at diets of over 600,000 participants compiled worldwide.
The researchers wrote, “At present, the better-established risk factors associated with developing bladder cancer include smoking, age, male sex, occupation and to a lesser extent obesity and physical inactivity. At present, the better-established risk factors associated with developing bladder cancer include smoking, age, male sex, occupation and to a lesser extent obesity and physical inactivity.”
Participants were divided into one of three groups based on their adherence to the Mediterranean diet, meaning low, medium, or high adherence. Those in the high adherence group had lower incidences of cancer compared to the low adherence group.
Cardiology dietician Michelle Routhenstein, who was not involved in the study, added insight on the diet’s role in cancer saying, “The diet is rich in anti-inflammatory foods, particularly fish, olive oil, fruit and vegetables. Since cancer growth is accelerated in a pro-inflammatory state, an anti-inflammatory diet would help lower the risk. Moreover, the diet is rich in antioxidants, which quench free radicals that can turn into cancer growth, thereby helping to prevent cell mutation and cancer development.”
The Mediterranean diet has been found to improve many areas of health, so it may be a wise choice to opt for this style of eating for prolonged, healthy life.