The latest study, conducted
by the University of Barcelona, found that the Mediterranean
diet was better for your heart than a typical low-fat
diet. The study's authors believe that the unsaturated
fats that make up the Mediterranean diet -- chiefly
from olive and nut oils -- help to protect the cardiovascular
system.
The study was made up of 769 older men and women who
had type 2 diabetes or multiple risk factors for heart
disease and strokes such as smoking, excessive weight
and high blood pressure. Those on the Mediterranean
diet showed small increases in their good HDL cholesterol,
while those on the low-fat diet had a decline in HDL.
The Mediterranean diet is rich in fruits, vegetable,
whole grains and the above mentioned olive/nut oils,
while being very light on red meat and processed foods.
While you don't have to go to the Mediterranean to enjoy
this diet, we're guessing that hanging out on a Greek
beach will do wonders for your blood pressure level
as well. :-)
Is iyían!
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