CHICAGO: Researchers recruited more than 7000 Spanish men and women who were at high risk for heart disease or stroke. Using a random decision tree, each person was assigned to follow either a “Mediterranean” style diet plan (high in unsaturated fats such as olive oil or nuts, high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, but low in saturated fat) or a “control” diet. The control diet was a standard low fat diet.
After 5 years, those on the Mediterranean Diet had 30% fewer cardiovascular events (heart attacks, strokes) compared to those on a low fat diet. Statistically, the advantage of the Mediterranean Diet was highly significant…