Olives and cancer prevention

Olives and olive oil are consumed in the Mediterranean region in huge amounts, and it is here that the incidence of cancer and other chronic diseases is lower than in other European countries or the USA.

Hence it is inferred that eating olives may be responsible to reduce the risk of cancer.

This is partly explained by their high content of antioxidants and oleic acid.

In test-tube experiments, olives have been shown to be able to disrupt the life cycle of cancer cells in the breast, colon and stomach.

However, human studies are needed to confirm the test-tube results.

Even if it is not confirmed if eating olives has any effect on cancer, as stated above it is inferred that it may.