OLIVE OILS AND HEALTH 78 ed with EVOO or nuts, the third group were given guidelines about a low-fat diet. Neither caloric restriction nor physical activity were actively recommended. Whilst the interventions were intended to improve the overall dietary pattern, the major between-group differences involved the supplemental items, extra-virgin olive oil and nuts, thus, these foods playing a key role in the benefits obtained. Differences were observed in the consumption of fish and legumes but not in other food groups. Results of the PREDIMED Study demonstrated that following a Mediterranean dietary pattern prevented CVD (myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular mortality). Other results from the PREDIMED Study have shown the benefits of the Mediterranean diet on type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, peripheral artery disease, auricular fibrillation, hypertension, cognitive decline, and breast cancer. The PREDIMED Study has confirmed that the Mediterranean diet is a protective pattern for the primary prevention of chronic diseases in high cardiovascular risk individuals. Its results have had considerable impact worldwide, providing some of the highest scientific evidence on the role of nutrition in health. Thus, the traditional Mediterranean diet needs to be revived. In this dietary pattern EVOO plays a key role, nevertheless, it should be consumed in the recommended quantities and with other healthy foods such as fruit, vegetables, pulses, cereals, and fish. (Figure 4.6). EVOO is recommended not only for its fatty acid profile, rich in oleic acid, but also for its more than two hundred minor components, particularly the polyphenols, and its capacity to increase the health benefits of other foods. Figure 4.6. The Mediterranean diet – a gateway to health. From both simplicity and variety, in a comfortable environment with a mild climate, one of the most balanced, complete, and healthy food dietary patterns of the world has emerged. Photography: Francisco Lorenzo Tapia.
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