Frutta e verdura nella dieta mediterranea: alleati contro il cancro

A low intake of saturated fats, the use of olive oil and a high consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables are the main aspects of the so called 'Mediterranean diet', which has been shown to correlate quite clearly with a low incidence of cardiovascular events and tumours. Many prospective and case-control studies have specifically investigated the relevance of a high consumption of fruit and vegetables on cancer, demonstrating a reduced incidence of most tumours, especially of the respiratory gastrointestinal and urinary system and a protection reading 30 to 60% for the strongest consumers. A diet low in fruit and vegetables increases significantly the risk of cancer in heavy smokers and alcohol consumers. Conversely, quitting cigarette smoking is still and by far the best preventive measure to reduce cancer risk. The mechanism of action by which fruit and vegetables achieve their effect is still unclear. On one side it is possible that they act through their content in fibers, vitamins, and other inhibitors of cancerogenesis like flavonoids and isoflavons. On the other hand high fruit and vegetables consumption could correlate with lower fat intake or be a marker for a globally healthier lifestyle. Whatever the reason, a widespread increase in fruit and vegetables consumption could provide important benefits in terms of public-health.