Researchers from the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona have shown that extra virgin olive oil prevents breast cancer, and many other types of the disease.

Click on pic for a larger image. Photo by John Evans.

If it is consumed with other aspects of the Mediterranean diet, especially tomato-rich dishes, it seems to be even more effective.

The oil was found to launch attacks on tumours which stunt their growth and even make the cells implode. It also protects against cell DNA damage, a common cause of cancers.

Tests on rodents showed that olive oil disables a gene that controls the growth of breast cancer, while turning off proteins that cancer cells live on. More than 45,000 cases a year of breast cancer are diagnosed in Britain, making it the UK’s most common cancer.

Scientist Dr Eduard Escrich believes that everyone should consume 50ml of best olive oil a day for optimum health. That works out as around five tablespoons, or 500 calories, which may seems excessive to anyone reducing their weight. However, if the oil is substituted for butter and fats in savoury dishes, it simply substitutes other foods on a calorie for calorie basis.

Another study found that olive oil also affects genes that are linked with the hardening of arteries and other heart diseases.

Although Spain does have an interest in promoting olive products, this research backs up much evidence from previous studies worldwide.

Many women suffer from tender breast tissue. The issue is complicated by fear of breast cancer.

However, a very simple solution may be at hand. A caffeine-free diet.

Breast surgeon, Sharon Rosenbaum Smith, MD of St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital in New York City, says, “The biggest contributing factor to fibrocystic change in the breasts is caffeine.”

Remember, though, caffeine is not just coffee. She adds, “In some women, avoiding caffeine works, but it has to be the complete avoidance of caffeine.”

The advice is, to remove all caffeine from your diet for two to three months on a trial basis. That means tea, coffee, caffeinated soda and chocolate in all its forms.

It would also be a good idea to consult a doctor first.