Mediterranean Diet Slashes Endometriosis Risk by 94%

 

A recent study published in  Scientific Reports reveals that women who closely follow a  Mediterranean-style diet may have up to  94% lower odds of developing  endometriosis — a chronic and painful reproductive disorder affecting millions worldwide ( 1^✔). Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often leading to  pelvic pain, infertility, and inflammation. Affecting around  10% of women of reproductive age, the condition’s development is shaped by hormonal, immune, and environmental factors.

While genetics and lifestyle contribute,  dietary habits have increasingly been recognized as a modifiable factor influencing both the onset and severity of endometriosis symptoms.

The Study: Diet Quality Makes a Dramatic Difference

Researchers in Tehran conducted a hospital-based case–control study involving  313 Iranian women — 105 with confirmed endometriosis and 208 without. Using a detailed  Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), they assessed each participant’s dietary intake over the past year.

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was scored using the  Medi-Lite scale, which measures consumption of fruits, nuts, vegetables, fish,  legumes, meat, and dairy. A separate  Healthy Diet Indicator (HDI) based on WHO guidelines was also applied.

Results showed that women without endometriosis had significantly higher Mediterranean diet scores (9.21) than those with the disease (5.63).

High adherence was linked to a remarkable  94% lower risk of endometriosis (adjusted OR = 0.06; 95% CI 0.02–0.15). Protective foods included:

• Fruits and nuts (OR = 0.09)
• Vegetables (OR = 0.18)
• Fish (OR = 0.16)
• Legumes (OR = 0.26)

In contrast, women who ate more  meat and dairy faced  up to ten times higher odds of developing the disease.

Anti-Inflammatory Foods: The Secret Weapon

The Mediterranean diet emphasizes  antioxidant-rich and anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits, olive oil, fish, legumes, and whole grains. These foods may help reduce systemic inflammation and modulate  hormone levels that influence endometrial growth.

According to researchers, this eating pattern may protect against oxidative stress — a key factor in the progression of endometriosis. “Diets high in fiber and  antioxidants appear to offer natural protection against hormonal imbalance and inflammation,” the authors noted.

However, some results were unexpected — notably, higher intake of whole grains and monounsaturated fats was linked to slightly increased odds of endometriosis. Experts believe these findings may reflect  regional differences in food sources or  unmeasured confounders rather than true biological effects.

Empowering Women Through Nutrition

While the study’s observational design means causation cannot be proven, its findings underscore the potential of  nutrition as a tool for reproductive health.

Women who adopt a Mediterranean-style eating plan — rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, fish, and healthy fats — may experience not only lower disease risk but also  reduced pain and inflammation.

The researchers emphasized that future longitudinal and interventional studies are essential to confirm these associations. Still, the evidence supports promoting  plant-based, nutrient-dense diets as part of comprehensive women’s health strategies.