It seems appropriate that researchers at the University of Athens in Greece would want to study olive oil. After all, the oil is a key component of the Mediterranean diet, and Greece is a part of the region where the disease-fighting diet originates.

A literature review published in October 2011 in the journal Lipids in Health and Disease by Greek researchers analyzed data from 19 different studies featuring 13,800 people with cancer and 23,340 people without cancer. The researchers found that the people who consumed the most olive oil (about an ounce a day) had a 34 percent lower likelihood of developing cancer.

The researchers conclude that because olive oil is a monounsaturated “healthy” fat, it can provide protection against cancer. They also state that olive oil has antioxidant activity, which may contribute to the anti-cancer effects. The purest form of olive oil is organic extra-virgin olive oil. The researchers confirm that extra-virgin olive oil is high in antioxidants and a rich source of oleic acid, an essential omega-9 fatty acid, which could explain it’s role in helping to prevent cancer.

The Mediterranean Diet has also been show to help prevent heart disease. In addition to olive oil, the Mediterranean diet is high in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, fish and red wine in moderation.