A vibrant Mediterranean market scene symbolizing health and wellness.

Mediterranean Diet: Your Shield Against Colorectal Cancer?

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"New Moroccan study reveals how embracing traditional eating habits could significantly lower your risk."

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant health concern worldwide, ranking as the third most common cancer in many regions. In Morocco, CRC is a major public health challenge, with increasing incidence rates reported in recent years. This escalating trend underscores the urgent need for effective prevention strategies that can be easily integrated into daily life.

Amid growing concerns about the rising rates of CRC, researchers are increasingly turning their attention to dietary factors. The Mediterranean diet, celebrated for its rich flavors and health benefits, has emerged as a promising candidate for CRC prevention. Rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, this traditional eating pattern offers a holistic approach to wellness.

Recent studies conducted in Morocco are shedding light on the protective effects of the Mediterranean diet against CRC. These investigations aim to uncover specific dietary components and their impact on reducing cancer risk, providing valuable insights for both healthcare professionals and individuals seeking to enhance their well-being. By understanding these connections, we can make informed choices that contribute to a healthier future.

The Moroccan Study: Unveiling the Protective Power

A vibrant Mediterranean market scene symbolizing health and wellness.

A groundbreaking study conducted in Morocco between January 2009 and February 2017 has provided compelling evidence linking adherence to the Mediterranean diet with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer. This multicenter study, involving a large sample size of 2,920 participants (1,460 cases and 1,460 controls), examined the dietary habits and health outcomes of individuals across different regions of Morocco. The findings offer valuable insights into how traditional eating patterns can serve as a potent tool in preventing CRC.

The research team assessed participants' adherence to the Mediterranean diet using a scoring system based on 10 key components, established by Trichopoulou et al. This score evaluated the consumption of beneficial elements such as fruits, vegetables, and olive oil, as well as limiting less healthy options. By analyzing these dietary patterns, the study revealed a significant inverse relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the risk of CRC.

Significant Risk Reduction: Individuals who closely followed the Mediterranean diet experienced a 34% reduction in the risk of CRC compared to those with lower adherence.
Education Matters: The protective effect of the diet was more pronounced among individuals with higher levels of education. Those with primary, secondary, and higher education levels saw a significant decrease in CRC risk.
Income Influence: Similarly, individuals with higher monthly incomes (between 2000 and 5000 MAD, and above 5000 MAD) also experienced a notable reduction in CRC risk, highlighting the role of socioeconomic factors in dietary choices and health outcomes.
BMI Considerations: The study also noted that a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) was positively associated with an increased risk of CRC, underscoring the importance of maintaining a healthy weight in addition to dietary modifications.

These findings underscore the importance of dietary choices in mitigating CRC risk, highlighting the potential of the Mediterranean diet as a powerful preventive strategy. By embracing this traditional eating pattern, individuals can take proactive steps to protect their health and reduce their susceptibility to this prevalent cancer.

Embracing the Mediterranean Diet: A Step Towards Better Health

The Moroccan study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet, particularly in the context of colorectal cancer prevention. By incorporating the principles of this eating pattern into your daily life, you can enjoy a wide array of delicious foods while simultaneously reducing your risk of CRC. Prioritize fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats, and savor the flavors of a diet that nourishes both body and soul.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.respe.2018.03.128, Alternate LINK

Title: L’Adhérence Au Régime Méditerranéen Serait-Elle Protectrice Du Risque Du Cancer Colorectal Au Maroc ?

Subject: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Journal: Revue d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: H. Abir Boudouaya, K. Elkinany, M. Sidi Deoula, Z. Hatime, C. Nejjari, K. El Rhazi

Published: 2018-05-01

Everything You Need To Know

What were the main findings of the Moroccan study regarding the Mediterranean diet and Colorectal Cancer risk?

A recent Moroccan study, conducted between January 2009 and February 2017 with 2,920 participants, revealed that individuals who closely followed the Mediterranean diet experienced a 34% reduction in the risk of Colorectal Cancer compared to those with lower adherence. This protective effect was particularly noticeable in individuals with higher levels of education and income. The study used a scoring system based on 10 key components, established by Trichopoulou et al, to assess adherence to the Mediterranean diet, examining consumption of fruits, vegetables, and olive oil.

How did education and income levels influence the protective effects of the Mediterranean diet against Colorectal Cancer, according to the Moroccan study?

The Moroccan study indicated that the protective effects of the Mediterranean diet against Colorectal Cancer were more pronounced among individuals with higher levels of education and income. Specifically, those with primary, secondary, and higher education levels saw a significant decrease in Colorectal Cancer risk. Similarly, individuals with higher monthly incomes (between 2000 and 5000 MAD, and above 5000 MAD) also experienced a notable reduction. These findings suggest that socioeconomic factors can play a significant role in dietary choices and health outcomes.

Besides diet, what other health factors did the Moroccan study link to Colorectal Cancer risk?

The study also found that a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) was positively associated with an increased risk of Colorectal Cancer. This underscores the importance of maintaining a healthy weight in addition to adopting the Mediterranean diet. While the Mediterranean diet can significantly reduce the risk of Colorectal Cancer, its effectiveness is enhanced when combined with a healthy weight, suggesting a holistic approach to wellness is most beneficial.

What are the key components of the Mediterranean diet, and how might these contribute to its protective effects against Colorectal Cancer?

The Mediterranean diet incorporates a high consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, with a focus on olive oil as a primary source of fat. It also includes moderate amounts of lean proteins like fish and poultry, while limiting red meat and processed foods. The diet's emphasis on fresh, whole foods provides a variety of nutrients and antioxidants that contribute to its protective effects against Colorectal Cancer. Other diets are known to possibly help in this instance, such as Keto, Vegan and Vegetarian. These diets were not explored in this study.

What implications does the Moroccan study have for public health and individual dietary choices regarding Colorectal Cancer prevention?

The Moroccan study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet, particularly in preventing Colorectal Cancer. These findings highlight the potential of adopting traditional eating patterns as a proactive strategy to reduce the risk of this prevalent cancer. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of considering socioeconomic factors and lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a healthy weight, in a comprehensive approach to cancer prevention. Other environmental factors, such as air pollution, were not considered in the study.