For women, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignant tumor and is the leading cause of death among women. Since 2008, breast cancer incidence worldwide has increased by more than 20 percent and mortality from breast cancer has increased by 14 percent. Historically breast cancer rates have been lower in Northern or Central European countries where the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is [...]

It is argued that individuals define their utility by showcasing their wealth to others, and one way is by the conspicuous consumption of “fashionable food.” The two main motivations for conspicuous consumption are ‘invidious comparison’ and ‘pecuniary emulation.’ Invidious comparison refers to higher-class individuals seeking to differentiate themselves from lower-class individuals; and pecuniary emulation refers to lower-class individuals seeking to [...]

One of the most aggressive, chemoresistant forms of cancer is malignant cutaneous melanoma. There are some treatment options available including injection of inflammatory molecules, along with oral and topical agents, which is where extra virgin olive oil polyphenols may play a key role. Oleocanthal, one of the most recognized polyphenolic compounds in extra virgin olive oil, was discovered by Gary Beauchamp during an experiment [...]

If you were told to eat butter, coconut oil and olive oil every day as part of your heart-healthy diet, what would you think? Like most, you’d probably think it’s a crazy suggestion. After all, we’ve been indoctrinated for years on end that we should avoid fat for a healthy heart. However, according to cardiologist Aseem Malhotra, the nutrition facts [...]

Frying is a simple cooking method used in home and restaurant meal preparation worldwide. There are two types of frying, shallow frying and deep frying. Deep frying results in complete food immersion in fat. While shallow frying is a partial immersion of foods in a selected fat. Shallow frying is generally seen as the healthier option. Extra virgin olive oil [...]

Body weight, cholesterol, blood pressure (BP), glucose/insulin status and function, oxidative stress and inflammation are all cardiometabolic risk factors that can be influenced by an individual’s choice of dietary pattern. The Mediterranean diet(MedDiet) is considered one of the healthiest dietary patterns and is characterized by high consumption of vegetables, fruit, olive oil, nuts, seeds, fish and poultry. Currently, the world is [...]

There's something so thrilling about the Olympics that it’s hard not to be a huge fan. I've attended two summer Olympics – Los Angeles in 1984 and Barcelona in 1992 - and this year I'm taking my grandson, a collegiate swimmer, to the 2012 Olympics in London. While media coverage is bound to be extensive, I doubt that any sports reporters [...]

Choosing extra virgin oil for a fat in your diet is a healthy choice. While some evidence exists that olive oil may be helpful in your weight-loss efforts, true weight loss requires a change in calorie intake. Consult your doctor to discuss healthy strategies and the use of extra virgin olive oil to help you lose weight. Drinking Extra Virgin [...]

When it comes to illness, pharmaceuticals may have their place, but when speaking of prevention of illness – or better yet long-life vitality – well, Nature has her own pharmacopoeia. Berries, spices, herbs, fruits and vegetables are the medicines that Hippocrates prescribed over two thousand years ago. A body well supported in daily nutrition, proper rest and adequate exercise has [...]

According to the tradition and the legends the olive tree has symbolic value. The most common and interesting legend derives from Greek mythology. It is said that Zeus, the father of all Gods, promised to gift peninsula of Attica to the goddess that would bring to him the most valuable and useful present. Competitors to this challenge were Poseidon, the [...]