The Mediterranean diet is more effective than exercise, as it halves the risk of developing heart disease. Researchers at Harokopio University in Athens found this out by observing the inhabitants of Greece.
The popular Mediterranean diet for heart health is proven to be more beneficial than exercise. Observing more than 2,500 Greek adults found that those on a diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, olive oil, seafood and one glass of red wine a day were 47% less likely to experience with heart disease over a 10-year period.
Science has already proven the ability of this diet to prolong life and protect against a variety of ailments, including tumors. This is the first study to examine the effects of a Mediterranean diet on human heart health over a 10-year period. In addition, much of the previous research has focused on the health of middle-aged people. Now, people aged 18 to 89 took part in the observations.
According to statistics, every fifth man and 12% of women get sick and die from cardiovascular diseases, including strokes and heart attacks. The researchers drew their findings by considering other risk factors for heart disease, including age, gender, family history, educational level, weight, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol. It also turned out that women follow the Mediterranean diet more thoroughly than men.
