Opinion – Mediterranean diet ‘could prevent 19,000 deaths a year in UK’ | Life and style | The Guardian

A diet rich in soy and whey protein, found in ...

A diet rich in soy and whey protein, found in products such as soy milk and low-fat yogurt, has been shown to reduce breast cancer incidence in rats. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Olives in olive oil.

English: Olives in olive oil. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I’m rather disappointed at this headline grabbing article in the Guardian. It cites a major study of UK eating habits concluding that diet rich in olive oil, fruits and vegetables could cut heart attack and stroke deaths.

Source: Mediterranean diet ‘could prevent 19,000 deaths a year in UK’ | Life and style | The Guardian

The health benefits of a Mediterranean diet are well known and have a rich research history.

The Guardian should have offered further analysis as to the barriers to reducing heart attacks and strokes in the UK. Some of the factors include:

  • Weak government policy
  • Powerful influence of the food lobby
  • Public healthcare offers no sanction for poor diet and inadequate excercise

Mediterranean diet may cut breast cancer relapse risk – BelfastTelegraph.co.uk

A diet rich in soy and whey protein, found in ...

A diet rich in soy and whey protein, found in products such as soy milk and low-fat yogurt, has been shown to reduce breast cancer incidence in rats. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Along with a number of global newspapers, the Belfast Telegraph cites new research and reports that a Mediterranean diet rich in vegetables, fish and olive oil may reduce the risk of breast cancer returning.

Source: Mediterranean diet may cut breast cancer relapse risk – BelfastTelegraph.co.uk

I’m currently visiting the UK for a few weeks and I must say, I’m not surprised by the findings. For too many people, their diet is based upon convenience rather than health considerations.

The Mediterranean Diet is not new and there has been lots of research supporting its health giving qualities (open this link for details).

But if you’re interested in previous research on Mediterranean diet and breast cancer, open this link.

What is significant is that governments and healthcare professionals are behind the curve and are not promoting healthy diet effectively.

Thoughts?