se. The study participants were randomized to 1 of 3 diets:
- Mediterranean diet with additional extra virgin olive oil
- Mediterranean diet supplemented with mixed nuts, or
- Low-fat diet
Those on a Mediterranean diet, regardless of if it was supplemented with nuts or more olive oil, had significantly lower rates of stroke. They also had lower rates of heart attacks and death.
Lessons learned: Dietary choices in people who are at risk of heart disease could prevent it. As I mentioned in my prior column, the best treatment for heart disease is prevention.
The Ornish Diet
The Ornish diet is a very low-fat vegetarian diet; only 10 percent of the diet is from fat, and the total cholesterol is <5 mg per day. In a study of patients with known coronary artery disease, this diet actually result in a disease regression in 82 percent at 1 year and in those that remained compliant further decreased at 5 years.
Lessons learned: First, perhaps most heart disease does not have to occur at all and can be prevented with daily choices. Next, even if disease has developed it is never too late to change and aggressive changes may have profound benefits.
What Have We Learned in Over 50 Years of Diets?
An abundance of evidence shows that Mediterranean diets are cardioprotective, and diet is much more than fat. If you are considering a diet, choose one that you can maintain over a lifetime and that involves a variety of healthy food sources. As you take on a diet add lifestyle changes that include exercise, improving sleep habits, and reducing stress.
One of the strengths of a whole diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, is that it contains many food choices that have unique beneficial properties and so meals and snacks can be varied and long-term compliance becomes easier. This is best shown in the multiple studies present herein that show high rates of long-term compliance to the diet and sustained benefits for your heart.