Eating a Mediterranean diet rich in extra virgin olive oil or nuts could cut the chances of heart attacks and strokes in high-risk groups by as much as 30 per cent, research has suggested.
The findings, published online by the New England Journal of Medicine, could give hope to smokers and diabetes sufferers amongst others.
The group of researchers, led by Professor Ramon Estruch, a professor of medicine at Barcelona University, examined 7,447 men aged 55 to 88 and women aged 60 to 80 between 2003 and 2009.
None of those tested suffered from any form of cardiovascular disease, but were all at risk of it due to having Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, increased levels of unhealthy cholesterol, or were smokers.
The study also confirmed that a Southern European diet rich in fruit and vegetables, fish, wine, and small amounts of red meat and dairy products offers protection against heart problems.
In the report, authors claim: "The results of our trial might explain, in part, the lower cardiovascular mortality in Mediterranean countries than in northern Europe or the United States."
The report added that those on the diet saw their chances of suffering from a stroke were significantly reduced.
Written by Martin Lambert
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