Our genetic make-up is not the only factor that shapes our health. Environmental factors, such as diet and lifestyle, are also the key contributors that during our life span can alter the integrity of our DNA. This can have a dramatic effect on our well-being by contributing to cancer development or accelerating ageing. In other words, our genetics may load the gun, but our diet and lifestyle pulls the trigger. If we improve our diet and take care of the lifestyle, we can prevent “triggering the gun”, decreasing by this way the risk of disease development. As a molecular oncologist trained at Oxford University, I know that a balanced, healthy diet rich in antioxidants is essential for cancer prevention, and it also reduces the risk of cancer recurrence. Cell oxidation is one of the major risks in the formation of cancer: the more susceptible the cellular DNA is to oxygen-triggered damage, the greater the risk of cancer. Antioxidants are key ingredients in our diet that protect our cells against oxidative damage. Also, they support our immune systems, by reducing inflammation, which is the major contributor to cancer progression.

Good quality extra virgin olive oil is one of the superfoods that are high in natural compounds called polyphenols, which offer antioxidant health benefits.  Multiple,large-scale, epidemiological studies suggest that olive oil exerts a protective effect against certain cancer types such as breast, prostate, endometrium, or tumours of the digestive tract. In addition to this, recent research has found a compound in olive oil called oleocanthal, which can kill some cancer cells without hurting the healthy cells in less than an hour. My family has been using high-quality olive oil for generations to stay healthy, and now, as a cancer scientist, I understand the reasons behind this. My ambition is to produce the best quality olive oil that one can not only enjoy but also benefit from.

Dr Ioanna Ledaki , BSc, MSc, Dphil,
Molecular Oncologist, University of Oxford,
Sphera Gourmet Founder

Our genetic make-up is not the only factor that shapes our health. Environmental factors, such as diet and lifestyle, are also the key contributors that during our life span can alter the integrity of our DNA. This can have a dramatic effect on our well-being by contributing to cancer development or accelerating ageing. In other words, our genetics may load the gun, but our diet and lifestyle pulls the trigger. If we improve our diet and take care of the lifestyle, we can prevent “triggering the gun”, decreasing by this way the risk of disease development. As a molecular oncologist trained at Oxford University, I know that a balanced, healthy diet rich in antioxidants is essential for cancer prevention, and it also reduces the risk of cancer recurrence. Cell oxidation is one of the major risks in the formation of cancer: the more susceptible the cellular DNA is to oxygen-triggered damage, the greater the risk of cancer. Antioxidants are key ingredients in our diet that protect our cells against oxidative damage. Also, they support our immune systems, by reducing inflammation, which is the major contributor to cancer progression.

Good quality extra virgin olive oil is one of the superfoods that are high in natural compounds called polyphenols, which offer antioxidant health benefits. Multiple, large-scale, epidemiological studies suggest that olive oil exerts a protective effect against certain cancer types such as breast, prostate, endometrium, or tumours of the digestive tract. In addition to this, recent research has found a compound in olive oil called oleocanthal, which can kill some cancer cells without hurting the healthy cells in less than an hour. My family has been using high-quality olive oil for generations to stay healthy, and now, as a cancer scientist, I understand the reasons behind this. My ambition is to produce the best quality olive oil that one can not only enjoy but also benefit from.

Dr Ioanna Ledaki , BSc, MSc, Dphil,
Molecular Oncologist, University of Oxford,
Sphera Gourmet Founder