Research on a link between the Mediterranean diet and a decrease in the risk of skin cancer is not yet comprehensive enough to draw a definite conclusion. The Mediterranean diet includes many foods rich in polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids, which might protect cells from the effects of oxidative stress, such as that caused by exposure to the sun's UV rays.
Skin Cancer Study
One hospital-based, case-control study at the IDI-San Carlo in Rome that was published in "International Journal of Epidemiology" utilized 304 patients with melanomas and 305 control subjects. Researchers collected data on each individual's skin type, amount of lifetime exposure to the sun, diet for the past year and family history of skin cancer. Researchers observed that those who ate citrus fruits every day and green leafy vegetables more than five times per week were less likely to have skin cancer than those who didn't eat as many citrus fruits or green vegetables. A limitation of this study is the possibility of recall bias, referring to a person's inability to accurately recall his lifetime amount of sun exposure or diet for the past year.
Effects of Antioxidants
In a study published in Nutrition Reviews and referenced at Science Daily, Dr. Nova Shapira of the School of Health Professions at Tel Aviv University and Professor Bodo Kuklinski of Germany's Rostock University reported that a diet high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids might protect against skin cancer. Their test subjects where divided into two groups. One group was given a drink high in antioxidants while the second group drank sodas. Both groups received from five to six hours of daily sun exposure. At the end of the two-week study, Shapira and Kuklinski observed that the antioxidants had delayed the process of skin erythema in the first group. Skin erythema is a redness of the skin and an indicator of tissue and DNA damage that can lead to skin cancer when it appears in conjunction with excessive sun exposure.
Foods That Might Help
Dr. Shapira theorizes that equipping the body with sufficient antioxidants can protect the skin cells from damage by the sun's UV rays. Foods rich in antioxidants include beans, carrots, lemons, nuts, oily fish, olive oil, oranges, rosemary oil, spinach, whole grains and yogurt. She notes that while most citrus fruits and leafy vegetables contain antioxidants to protect the skin against the harmful effects of the sun's UV rays, vegetables such as celery, cilantro, dill, figs and parsley contain psoralen, a compound that increases cells' sensitivity to light.
Protection From Excessive Sun Exposure
Excessive exposure to sunlight is the leading cause of skin cancer, according to the "International Journal of Epidemiology." Always use sunscreen if you expect to be in direct sunlight for an excessive amount of time. Wear a hat and thin long-sleeve shirts for further protection.
References
- "International Journal of Epidemiology"; A protective effect of the Mediterranean diet for cutaneous melanoma; C Fortes, S Mastroeni, F Melchi, M A Pilla, G Antonelli, D Camaioni, M Alotto and P Pasquini; 2008
- Science Daily: SPF On Your Plate: Researcher Connects the Mediterranean Diet With Skin Cancer Prevention
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