As part of the Mediterranean diet, olive oil has long been promoted as a healthy alternative to other oils. Rich in monosaturated fats, olive oil is believed to lower cholesterol and thereby reduce your risk for heart disease. It is also a good source of polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that may protect against heart disease and certain cancers.

Now, researchers are finding that in breast cancer survivors, consumption of olive oil may help to promote greater weight loss when compared to traditional low-fat diets. The findings are important for breast cancer survivors because even moderate weight gains during cancer treatment are believed to increase the risk of the recurrence of the disease. This is especially true for post-menopausal women.

In the study in question, published in the Journal of Women’s Health, a group of overweight women (aged 50 years or more) with body mass indexes (BMIs) of at least 25 were diagnosed with breast cancer and were within four years of completing their treatment.

The women were asked to adhere to two separate 1,500 calorie, low-fat diets. The more conventional diet followed the recommendations of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and the other eating plan involved plant based foods similar to what is seen in the Mediterranean diet. They were asked to keep diaries of their food intake over the course of the study.

After eight weeks, weights were recorded and blood samples taken. The subjects were then allowed to choose which of the two diets they wished to follow for the next six months. What the researchers observed was that 80% of the women on the olive oil diet lost more than 5% of the weight they had at the beginning of the study, compared to 31% of the women on the NCI diet. Interestingly, when they were given the choice of which diet to consume, more women opted for the less conventional olive oil diet because they found the food more appealing and affordable, thus increasing the likelihood of adherence.

The importance of this lies in the fact that most breast cancer patients are not aware of the connection between body weight and cancer recurrence. Though NCI indicates that obesity is a risk factor and recommends a reduction of dietary fat, there are no current dietary guidelines for weight loss.

The olive oil diet created by the authors of the study includes at least three tablespoons of olive per day and nuts at breakfast. The diet also encourages whole grains, three servings of fruit, and unlimited vegetable consumption. Red meat was prohibited, but limited amounts of poultry and fish were allowed.

Previous studies of populations in Mediterranean countries have suggested that oil may reduce the risk of breast cancer. The diet is characterized by an emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables and less red meat.

If you have questions or concerns about breast cancer, speak with your physician. For more information about diet and cancer, visit the website for the Cancer Network.