Mediterranean Diet More Effective Than Low-Fat Diet for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction: Study

A systematic review of 11 randomized controlled trials involving 5,942 adults found the Mediterranean diet to be more effective than a low-fat diet at improving multiple cardiovascular risk factors and outcomes. Using PRISMA guidelines and a wide literature search, the analysis showed that the Mediterranean pattern, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, olive oil and moderate fish, produced larger reductions in procoagulant and prothrombotic microvesicles, total cholesterol and the cholesterol to HDL ratio. Participants on the Mediterranean diet also experienced greater decreases in insulin, blood glucose, leukocyte counts and body mass index, indicating benefits across metabolic control, inflammation and blood clotting pathways.These results add weight to the idea that dietary quality matters more than simply cutting fat, and support prioritizing the Mediterranean diet for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. The authors note, however, that further research is needed to assess long-term adherence and how well these findings translate across different cultural and demographic groups.