The Mediterranean Diet for Heart Health
Among dietary patterns studied for cardiovascular health, the Mediterranean diet stands out for its evidence base.
Core components
Vegetables, olive oil, fish, whole grains, and limited red meat and processed food.
Why it works
The combination of healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants appears to meaningfully reduce cardiovascular risk markers.
Getting started
Small, sustainable swaps — olive oil instead of butter, fish twice a week — build toward the full pattern over time.
Key takeawayThe Mediterranean diet has among the strongest evidence of any dietary pattern for cardiovascular risk reduction, and small sustainable swaps are the most practical way to adopt it.
Helpful next steps
Mediterranean diet cookbook
Recipes for the most heart-healthy diet pattern.
This content is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. If you're experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, call 911 immediately.