In general, there are 2 main diets recognised in scientific studies to have anti-cancer properties. The first, and most important, is the Mediterranean diet. It is based on the dietary patterns of people living in olive growing areas around the Mediterranean up until the 1960s:
- High intake of vegetables, legumes, fruits and nuts.
- High intake of minimally processed cereals.
- High intake of monounsaturated fats coupled with low intake of saturated fats.
- Moderately high intake of fish.
- Low to moderate intake of dairy products.
- Low intake of meat products.
- Regular but moderate intake of alcohol.
The second diet, which may have some anti-cancer properties, is the Nordic diet. Although it is high in fat and sugar, there is a range of traditional products with anticipated health-promoting effects:
- Fish.
- Cabbage.
- Rye bread.
- Oatmeal.
- Apples.
- Pears.
- Root vegetables.
It seems sensible to adopt as many of these foods into your diet as possible especially as both of these diets are also associated with weight loss, reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (heart attacks and strokes) and reduced risk of diabetes.
