Instructions: Heart attack survivors who eat a Mediterranean-style diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fish can cut their risk of a repeat heart attack between 50 percent and 70 percent, according to a report in the February 16,1999 issue of Circulation.

The study, which adds to a host of research underscoring the health benefits of southern European-style cuisine, followed more than 400 heart attack survivors for nearly four years. Half received no specific dietary advice, while the others were taught to follow a Mediterranean diet: fruit every day, plus more bread, root and green vegetables, and fish. They also were told to replace beef, lamb, and pork with poultry, and to trade butter and cream for a special margarine made from canola oil. For cooking, they used only canola or olive oil.

Why canola? Its a good source of alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid thats a precursor to the type found in fish oil. Omega-3s appear to have several heart-protecting effects, such as making the blood less likely to clot. In this study, higher blood levels of omega-3s were linked to a lower risk of a repeat heart attack and other heart-related problems. Researchers believe the abundance of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in the Mediterranean diet also play a role in the lowered risk.

The heart benefits of the Mediterranean diet are so striking, it makes good sense for everyone to adopt these eating habits - especially considering that nearly half of all Americans die of cardiovascular disease, says HealthNews associate editor George Blackburn, M.D.

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