Thirty Years of Clinical Research

One Mission.
Fighting Cancer with Food.

With a lifetime dedicated to fighting cancer with food, Dr. Mary M. Flynn has spent decades showing how a plant-based diet rich in extra virgin olive oil is a powerful tool for recovery.

Since 1999, her research has focused on using specific, high-quality ingredients to help patients maintain their strength and metabolic health during and after treatment.

Unlike many conventional dietary plans, her approach uses the natural, protective benefits of olive oil to turn your daily meals into a proactive part of your healing journey.

Career Milestones

30+

Years of Academic
Leadership at Brown

30+

Years Researching
Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2005

Dean's Teaching
Excellence Award

Nations Taught:
US, AU, ES, GR, IT, CN

Her Mission

Pioneering a Plant-Based Olive Oil Diet

With a lifelong focus on food as medicine, Professor Flynn has dedicated her research since 1999 to the protective benefits of extra virgin olive oil. She pioneered a specialized plant-based, olive oil-rich diet to serve as a clinical cornerstone for weight management in oncology patients.

Beyond the clinic, she has adapted this dietary model to combat food insecurity among food pantry clients. This work also extends to the Warren Alpert Medical School, where she teaches medical students how to apply these practical nutritional solutions.

The Record

Clinical Roots

1998 – 2023

Associate Professor

Brown University
2007 – 2025

Oncology Dietitian

The Miriam Hospital
1999 – 2025

Research Scientist

Warren Alpert Medical School

Global Reach

International Recognition

An internationally recognized voice on the science of extra virgin olive oil, Dr. Flynn has lectured to clinicians and home cooks alike across the US, Australia, Spain, Greece, and Italy. In March 2026, she joined Cobram Estate as a nutrition consultant. Outside the lab, she bakes and gardens.

Selected Works

Books by Dr. Flynn

1999 · Lifeline Press

Low-Fat Lies, High Fat Frauds and the Healthiest Diet in the World

For readers untangling decades of low-fat-diet messaging.

Dr. Flynn's first book grew from her concern over the widespread promotion of low-fat diets — and made the early case for olive oil's place in a healthful eating pattern.

Buy on Amazon

2010 · DaCapo Press

The Pink Ribbon Diet: A Revolutionary New Weight Loss Plan to Lower Your Breast Cancer Risk

For breast cancer survivors building a plant-based, olive-oil-rich routine.

Built on Dr. Flynn's research with women who had survived invasive breast cancer and were in need of weight loss — translating her plant-based olive oil diet into a practical recovery routine.