Med diet shown to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease

Evidence continues to mount that a Mediterranean diet is the way to go.

The Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reports on a study that tested whether adherence to a Spanish-type Mediterranean diet can reduce cardiovascular events (such as heart attack or stroke) in participants with a high risk of such diseases. Early evidence supported that participants made significant strides in reducing disease risk.

The best-known versions of the Mediterranean diet are Spanish, Greek and Italian. These cuisines emphasize fruits; vegetables; unrefined grains, cereals and breads; nuts; seeds; beans; fish; olives and olive oil with limited meat and dairy consumption. Red wine consumption in moderation, especially with meals, is encouraged.

What makes the Mediterranean diet so attractive as a lifestyle is the fact that it doesn’t focus on restricting one ingredient (such as carbs or meat), which is a trap many “diets” fall into. Even using the word “diet” when discussing Mediterranean eating would be inaccurate. It is best to think of it as a lifestyle, not just regarding food, but also regarding movement and social connections.  Though weight loss might be a side effect, the goal is a longer, fulfilling, disease-free life.