Mediterranean Diet Lowers Heart Disease Risk by 30 Percent According to New Study

On Monday this week, a major study published New England Journal of Medicine showed that the “Mediterranean Diet” yielded excellent results in terms of a “heart healthy” diet. Individuals searching for how to greatly reduce their risk of heart disease may want to consider a Mediterranean diet – which may lower risk of heart disease by an incredible 30 percent.

The study was based on results from researchers in Spain who worked with about 7,500 participants over a period of about 5 years. Those who took part in the study were either overweight, smokers, had diabetes, or had other heart disease risk factors.

Participants were reportedly segregated into 3 groups. In one group, individuals kept to a traditional low-fat diet. The other two groups both followed the Mediterranean diet. At the end of the 5 year term, researchers found that the participants following a Mediterranean diet were about 30 percent less likely to suffer from heart attacks, strokes, and deaths from cardiovascular disease.

What is the Mediterranean diet? The basics of the Mediterranean diet consist of a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes, whole grains, and a key ingredient of olive oil instead of other vegetable oils. While there is very little red meat in the Mediterranean diet, poultry, fish and other seafood is part of the program. Also, in the Mediterranean diet are foods like eggs, cheese and yogurt.

The variety of foods allowed in the Mediterranean diet may make it much easier for individuals to stick with the diet, making it part of a more healthy lifestyle. While the Mediterranean diet is not focused a much on weight loss as it is on a heart health, the program should also yield positive results for those looking to be more healthy inside and out.