If you want to protect yourself from life-threatening diseases like heart attack and stroke, eating a certain diet can be helpful
A study published in the British Medical Journal reported that consuming a Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke or other diseases related to the arteries of the heart.
A typical Mediterranean diet consists of fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, fish, olive oil, etc. (red meat is rarely consumed).
This diet was earlier considered to be the best for preventing various diseases like heart diseases, diabetes and obesity.
But it was not clear to what extent people with diabetes, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or cholesterol might benefit from such a diet.
It should be noted that diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and cholesterol are considered major risk factors for heart disease.
The study analyzed data from 40 clinical trials involving more than 35,000 people.
The results showed that consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, olive oil and nuts significantly reduced the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Research has shown that it also benefits people who are at high risk of heart disease.
Consuming such a diet can protect against heart attacks in people who have risk factors for heart disease, such as obesity, diabetes or high blood pressure, the researchers said.
The study examined the effects of various diets and found that consumption of the Mediterranean diet reduced the risk of premature death from any cause.
The researchers noted that such a diet may also provide some benefit to people who abstain from exercise or other health-promoting activities.
He added that you may or may not be at risk, but with a healthy lifestyle you can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.