A study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health compared the incidence of colon cancer and diet in 28 countries. Colon cancer is the third most common cancer (97,000 new cases annually) and second leading cause of cancer-related deaths (48,000 per year).

Experts discovered that diets high in olive oil were linked to fewer cases of colon cancer than diets high in meat and fish. Scientists suggest that meat and fish increase digestive acid while olive oil reduces or neutralizes the acid buildup from meat and fish.

The Harvard School of Public Health recommends three or less servings of red meat (3.5 ounces per serving) weekly. The Harvard team also suggest regular screening for individuals over the age of 50 and increased physical activity and a daily multivitamin with folic acid as other proven methods for reducing the risk of colon cancer.

There is little doubt that cutting down red meat consumption is good for colon health. Olive oil is a mainstay in the Mediterranean diet we recommend for anti-aging purposes. It is high in mono-unsaturated fat, which lowers the LDL (bad) cholesterol and increases HDL cholesterol in the body. When in doubt about what kind of oil to eat, stick with olive oil.