Mediterranean diet may help ward off breast cancerMediterranean diet may help ward off breast cancer

A study has concluded that a Mediterranean diet may help reduce the risk of breast cancer, especially among post-menopausal women.Researchers noted that breast cancer was less prevalent in countries where people consumed a Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes ingredients like fish, olive oil, whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, followed more than 14,000 women for nearly 10 years. The women were asked to keep track of their diets in surveys, then the researchers graded how "Mediterranean" each woman's diet was based on the frequent appearance of certain characteristic ingredients.

This is not the first study to investigate the health benefits of Mediterranean food. In addition to other studies linking the diet to cancer prevention and heart health, a 2006 study found that such a diet might protect against Alzheimer's disease.