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How the Mediterranean Diet Boosts Heart Health

The Mediterranean diet has been shown to lower the risk of having a heart attack, and if you've already had one, it can also help prevent another. Here are some key points supported by scientific research:

Reducing the Risk of a First Heart Attack

The PREDIMED study, a landmark trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that people at high risk for heart disease who followed the Mediterranean diet had fewer heart attacks, strokes and deaths from cardiovascular issues. Those who added extra-virgin olive oil or nuts to their diet saw even better results than those on a low-fat diet.

Preventing another Heart Attack

Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that people who had already experienced a heart attack lowered their risk of having another by sticking to the Mediterranean diet. This study highlights how powerful the diet can be for those already managing heart disease.

How Does It Work?

The Mediterranean diet is rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and olive oil, with moderate amounts of fish and poultry, and very little red meat or processed food. This combination helps lower bad (LDL) cholesterol, boost good (HDL) cholesterol and reduce inflammation — all of which are important for preventing heart attacks and keeping your arteries healthy.

Living Longer and Healthier

A study in the British Medical Journal found that people who closely followed the Mediterranean diet not only reduced their risk of dying from heart disease but also lived longer overall. The benefits of this diet go beyond heart health and support overall well-being and longevity.

These studies show strong evidence that the Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of heart attacks and help protect those who’ve already had one.

How I Can Help

Whether you want to protect yourself from heart disease, lower your cholesterol or blood pressure, recover from a cardiac event, or reduce your risk factors like being overweight or diabetic, my HeartSmart programme can guide you. It is full of amazing information about cardiovascular disease prevention with diet and lifestyle. It can help you to lower your cholesterol and blood pressure too. And all while eating delicious food!

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