We’ve reported before on the benefits one can get from following a Mediterranean diet (”Massive Study Touts Mediterranean Diet for Seniors“), and we’re doing it again.

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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