How the Mediterranean diet is even better than previously stated

A study finds that Mediterranean diet is more effective than exercise in preventing heart disease.

17:38 06 March 2015

Another study has confirmed that Mediterranean diet is, as many people already gathered, very good for your health. In fact, the study went as far as saying that the diet is more effective than exercise in preventing heart disease.

Scientists at Harokopio University said that adding oil fish, nuts, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables on your diet cut your risk of developing heart disease by almost 50 per cent.

The study, which will be presented at the American College of Cardiology’s 64th Annual Scientific Session in San Diego, confirmed findings of previous research.

Ekavi Georgousopoulou, a PhD candidate, who conducted the study along with Professor Demosthenes B Panagiotakos, said: "Our study shows that the Mediterranean diet is a beneficial intervention for all types of people - in both genders, in all age groups, and in both healthy people and those with health conditions.

"It also reveals that the Mediterranean diet has direct benefits for heart health, in addition to its indirect benefits in managing diabetes, hypertension and inflammation."

Georgousopoulou encourages people to adopt Mediterranean diet saying it’s easy to do so.

"Because the Mediterranean diet is based on food groups that are quite common or easy to find, people around the world could easily adopt this dietary pattern and help protect themselves against heart disease with very little cost."