ABSTRACT
A beneficial effect of the Mediterranean diet on disease was first suggested by the low mortality from cardiovascular diseases in these countries (Uemura and Pisa, 1988). Mortality from several important cancer sites, including intestines, pancreas, breast and prostate is also low in the Mediterranean countries as compared to central and northern Europe (Levi et al, 1989) and these favourable rates have been attributed, at least in part, to a beneficial impact of dietary habits in this area on the risk of these neoplasms.
