Mediterranean Diet

        The traditional Mediterranean diet is characterized by a high intake of olive oil, fruit, nuts, vegetables, and cereals; a moderate intake of fish and poultry; a low intake of dairy products, red meat, processed meats, and sweets; and wine in moderation, consumed with meals.
        In a multi-center trial in Spain [1], 7447 persons with high cardiovascular risk were randomly assigned to one of three diets: a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil, a Mediterranean diet supplemented with mixed nuts, or a control diet (Low-fat diet).  The median follow-up period was 4.8 years.  An energy-unrestricted Mediterranean diet supplemented with either extra-virgin olive oil or nuts resulted in a relative risk reduction of 30% for the primary end point (acute myocardial infarction, stroke or death from cardiovascular causes).  Regarding components of the primary end point, only the comparisons of stroke risk reached statistical significance.  On the basis of the results of an interim analysis, the trial was stopped after a median follow-up of 4.8 years, because it would be unethical to continue.

Reference

[1] Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease with a Mediterranean Diet. N Eng J Med 2013 [for full text, go to the link below]
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/79367435/LCD/Mediterranean_LFD_NEJM_2013.pdf