A very important study was published this week in the New England Journal of Medicine. In one of the largest trials to date, the Mediterranean-Style Diet (either supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil/EVOO or handfuls of nuts) was compared with a low-fat diet. Over 7000 patients were studied. All patients had no established heart disease but were at high risk for heart disease (diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity ...).
The researchers found a 30% reduction in the risk of major cardiovascular events.
Mediterranean meant lots of fruit, fish, chicken, beans, tomato sauce, salads, and wine and little baked goods and pastries.
I have been advocating my patients eat a Mediterranean style diet for years. Now I have strong evidence that this way of eating can be as beneficial as some of the medicines we use reduce risk.
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