Mediterranean Diet better for Heart Attack Prevention than Low Fat Diet

Sharing findings from a recent study that indicates a Mediterranean Diet is more effective than a low fat diet when it comes to heart attack prevention.

Heart Disease and the Mediterranean Diet

According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is still the leading cause of death in the US. However, 80% of cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, etc) can be prevented with lifestyle and dietary modifications.

Read more about The Mediterranean Diet & Heart Disease.

The Mediterranean Diet can be helpful in reducing risk of heart disease because of the lifestyle’s focus on incorporating lots of vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, olive oil, while reducing saturated fat and excess sugars.

Mediterranean Diet versus Low Fat Diet

A recent study published in The Lancet reported findings from a long term trial in Spain. The study followed the effects of The Mediterranean Diet versus a Low Fat Diet on their ability to prevent secondary cardiovascular events.

Participants were assigned either a Mediterranean or Low Fat diet. The participants were then followed up with seven years later. The participants ranged from 20-75 years old and all had pre-existing cardiovascular heart disease.

The Findings

The findings indicate that the group assigned to the Mediterranean Diet were more successful in lowering risk of heart disease and stroke compared to a low fat diet prevention. The study reports the Mediterranean diet followers were 26% less likely to experience major cardiac issues. Med following the Mediterranean diet had a 33% lower risk.

The Conclusion

The researchers concluded that the study supports the use of the Mediterranean Diet in the secondary prevention of heart disease and stroke.

How the Mediterranean Diet reduces Heart Disease Risk

Among many other health benefits, the Mediterranean Diet can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Making small changes like the ones below can aid in heart attack prevention –

• lots of fresh fruit and vegetables
• fiber rich whole grains
• fish/seafood twice a week
• olive oil in place of butter
• nuts, seeds, and legumes
• reducing sodium to less than 1500 mg per day
• decreasing processed foods, added sugars, saturated fats and trans fats
• reducing red meat consumption

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Last modified: May 10, 2022