Mediterranean diet ‘can reduce heart attacks in people at higher risk’

First study of its kind finds diet can benefit hundreds of millions with obesity, diabetes or other risk factors

A Mediterranean diet can lower the risk of a heart attack, stroke or early death for hundreds of millions of people who have an increased possibility of cardiovascular disease, a global review of evidence suggests.

A diet rich in olive oil, nuts, seafood, whole grains and vegetables has previously been linked to a number of benefits, and its effectiveness in helping healthy people to live longer is well known.