'Mediterranean' diet linked to lower risk of heart attacks & strokes in heart patients

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-04/esoc-dl042116.php

Public Release: 24-Apr-2016
'Mediterranean' diet linked to lower risk of heart attacks & strokes in heart patients
European Society of Cardiology

A "Mediterranean" diet, high in fruit, vegetables, fish and unrefined foods, is linked to a lower risk of heart attack and stroke in people who already have heart disease, according to a study of over 15,000 people in 39 countries around the world. The research also showed that eating greater amounts of healthy food was more important for these people than avoiding unhealthy foods, such as refined grains, sweets, desserts, sugared drinks and deep-fried food - a "Western" diet.

The study, which is published today (Monday) in the European Heart Journal [1], showed that for every 100 people eating the highest proportion of healthy "Mediterranean" foods, there were three fewer heart attacks, strokes or deaths compared to 100 people eating the least amount of healthy foods during nearly four years of follow-up from the time the participants joined the study.

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