Good Fat Beats Low-Fat

Mediterranean-style diets, rich in healthy fats from olive oil or nuts, may be better for the heart than low-fat regimens, according to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Spanish researchers found that the traditional Mediterranean diet bested a low-fat diet in helping older adults improve their cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels. The findings add to the mounting evidence that diets rich in healthy fats offer better cardiovascular protection than diets that limit fat altogether.

Mediterranean-style eating typically includes plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, limited amounts of red meat and processed foods, and a relatively high amount of fat from olive oil and nuts. This latest finding is in line with several studies that have shown that people living in the Mediterranean region have lower rates of heart disease, despite their high fat intake.