It’s true!  About 30% of heart attacks, strokes, and deaths from heart disease can pre prevented (in high-risk people) if they switch to a Mediterranean diet.  This diet is rich in olive oil, beans, fish, fruits and vegetables, and nuts.  Wine ( in moderation, of course) is even encouraged.

The New England Journal of Medicine published a study showing the magnitude of the diet’s benefits.  The study ended early (after almost 5 years) because the results were so clear that it was considered unethical to continue.  Low fat diets have not been shown in any rigorous way to be helpful.  Low-fat diets are also hard for patients to maintain.  This is different than the Mediterranean diet which allows you to eat a nicely balanced diet with fruits and vegetables and olive oil.

I’ve added my hummus recipe.  It’s easy to make and such a hit at parties.  Pair it with some vegetables and you are incorporating the Mediterranean diet in your day.

Hummus:

.flickr.com/photos/ jericho1ne/1314130848

Put all ingredients into a food processor.

• one can (15 ounce) chick peas (garbonzo beans) drained
• 1/3 cup tahini (sesame seed paste)
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/8 tsp cumin

Food process for 3 minutes.  Add water until it’s the right consistency.  Enjoy!