Key points from article :
Mediterranean diet, rich in plant-based foods, is linked to a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
294 moderately obese people of age 51 are randomly assigned into three dietary groups
First group received guidance on physical activity and healthy diet.
Second received physical activity plus advice on traditional Mediterranean diet.
Third group received physical activity plus advice on green version of the Mediterranean diet
After six months, those on both types of Mediterranean diet lost more weight: green Med 6.2 kg; Mediterranean 5.4 kg; healthy diet 1.5 kg.
Green Med diet group achieved larger falls in 'bad' low-density cholesterol of 6.1 mg/dl.
Additional restriction of meat with a parallel increase in plant-based food may further benefit the cardiometabolic state and reduce cardiovascular risk.
Research Ben-Gurion University of the Negev published in the journal Heart.
