A previous large clinical trial had already shown that a Mediterranean diet is effective in cardiovascular prevention, compared with (in simplified terms) “do nothing about your diet, change nothing.” Cardiovascular events are not only but primarily heart attacks and strokes. Meaning that a Mediterranean diet prevents heart attacks and strokes.

A new large clinical trial from last year, i.e., from 2022, now has shown that a Mediterranean diet is more effective than a low-fat diet in secondary cardiovascular prevention. The low-fat diet was defined as less than 30% of calories from fats.

The absolute and relative risk reductions in favour of the Mediterranean diet are comparable to the results of medicinal drugs prescribed as standard for secondary cardiovascular prevention. Therefore, you can protect yourself against cardiovascular events (heart attacks, and strokes) with a Mediterranean diet, with vegetables, legumes, white meat, fish, fruit, and olive oil.