The Incidence of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is much lower in certain parts of the world, including the Mediterranean region. This is believed to be due in part to the diet of individuals living in those areas. The Mediterranean diet can be described as low in saturated fat, high in complex carbohydrates, and high in healthy fats such as olive oil. Red wine is also a significant factor in the diet.
It has been hypothesized that the Mediterranean diet is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and subsequent fatality associated with CAD. A prospective study was published in the April issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine that examined adherence to the Mediterranean diet and risk of fatality due to CAD.
The results show that men and women who adhere to the diet with the highest degree have a decreased risk of fatality associated with CAD. The risk is decreased by as much as 27%. And in individuals who already have CAD, the risk of death due to a cardiac event can be decreased by 31% with strict adherence to the Mediterranean diet.
For individuals who are prescribed the Mediterranean diet by their physicians, strict adherence may increase their benefit compared to incorporation of similar traits in food selection into the already established diet of the patient.
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