Olive Oil and Breast Cancer

Olive oil helps combat breast cancer.

There is ample evidence that the diet consumed in Mediterranean countries helps protect women against breast cancer. Now Professor Javier Menendez and his team at Northwestern University in Chicago suggest that olive oil may be the main protector. Dr. Menendez found that oleic acid, the major fatty acid in olive oil, is highly effective in killing the Her2/neu protein, a major factor in the growth of breast cancer tumours. The oil is, as a matter of fact, just as effective as the anticancer drug Herceptin and, when combined with this drug, results in a reduction of 70% in Her2/neu levels (in test tube experiments). Dr. Menendez suggests that olive oil manufacturers should begin to list the total oleic acid content on their products so that consumers can select the best brand for cancer prevention.New Scientist, January 15, 2005, p. 7