Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease with a Mediterranean Diet Supplemented with Extra-Virgin Olive Oil or Nuts

Researchers followed 7,447 adults in Spain who had a higher risk of heart disease but had not had it before. They were assigned to a Mediterranean diet with extra-virgin olive oil, a Mediterranean diet with nuts, or advice to eat a low-fat diet. After about five years, the Mediterranean diet groups had about 30% fewer heart attacks, strokes, or heart-related deaths. The difference was about 1 fewer person per 100 people, and strokes accounted for much of the benefit. The study’s original reporting had problems with how some people were assigned, so the results were checked and republished using corrected methods.

What this means for you: This supports eating a Mediterranean-style diet, especially replacing less healthy foods with vegetables, fish, olive oil, and nuts. It does not show that buying expensive supplements or large amounts of olive oil and nuts alone will prevent heart disease.