Why Does Olive Oil Protect Against Breast Cancer?
 

Why Does Olive Oil Protect Against Breast Cancer?

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Researchers know the Mediterranean diet seems to
protect against breast cancer, and they now know the reason why. After
running a series of laboratory experiments, researchers from the
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Evanston, Ill.,
discovered why a high intake of oleic acid-rich olive oil fights cancer.

Researchers found oleic acid dramatically cuts the levels of a gene called
Her-2/neu. High levels of Her-2/neu are associated with aggressive tumors in
many breast cancer patients. Additionally, researchers found oleic acid
boosts the effectiveness of the antibody treatment trastuzumab (Herceptin),
which targets Her-2/neu and helps prolong the life of breast cancer
patients. Oleic acid was also found to increase the expression of a tumor
suppresser protein.

Researchers emphasize it is important to be cautious about the implications
of the study, as laboratory results do not always translate into clinical
practice. However, they say the findings do suggest a higher level of oleic
acid in breast tissue could provide an effective means of influencing the
outcome of breast cancer patients who have high levels of Her-2/neu.

Researchers say, "Our findings underpin epidemiological studies that show
the Mediterranean diet has significant protective effects against cancer,
heart disease, and aging."

The Mediterranean diet includes consumption of whole grains, fruits,
vegetables, nuts, and olive oil.