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Dear Colleagues and Friends,
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Children and young people
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“Cancer research” encompasses a large number of pathologies with a diversity of causes, mechanisms, prognoses... Therefore, it is a field in continuous expansion, however conclusive results are not as common as desired. In this week's summary we wanted to highlight several reviews that try to associate olive oil consumption with these pathologies.
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One of them studied the evidence surrounding olive oil and its extracts and its effect on various health outcomes in women, including some forms of cancer (breast, ovarian or cervical cancers). This article concludes on the specific beneficial role of olive oil against these pathologies and describes in detail the biological mechanisms through which the different components of the oil (monounsaturated fatty acids and phenolic compounds) could act. The effect on breast cancer stands out, as a great number of studies reveal a beneficial role for prevention and against progression.
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Also, a meta-analysis evaluated the progression in cancer survivors. This article concludes on the beneficial effect of "quality dietary patterns” on the survival of breast and colon cancer patients. Among the underlying mechanisms that stand out are benefits provided by the antioxidant capacity of diets, but also their hyper-insulinemic potential, metabolic or hormonal alterations, and their effects on inflammation and immune function. It is believed by the authors that the health benefits arise from the synergistic effect of the different components of these diets. Among the patterns analyzed is the Mediterranean diet, in which the consumption of olive oil stands out for its benefits on colon and prostate cancer.
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The third meta-analysis we include collects the results of the EPIC cohort and evaluates other aspects beyond diet. It again highlights the beneficial role of the Mediterranean diet in cancer mortality. However, this time there are no specific results for olive oil as an isolated component. This effect is referred to in another review article (specifically for breast cancer), in which the anticancer properties of olive oil are described alongside with cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory activities and also in the context of the SARS-Cov-2 virus.
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Almost all these articles agree that more studies specifically designed to study these aspects are needed. We must also conclude, in any case, that the beneficial effects of olive oil are subject to the adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern.
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