In the study we call Predimed (Prevention with Mediterranean Diet), we tried to demonstrate how the Mediterranean Diet can prevent cardiovascular disease. Many people think that there are many Mediterranean Diets because the food in Greece, Italy and Spain is different. But if you look closely, there are not so many differences. The Mediterranean Diet is frugal, so we should reduce the size of dishes. It’s very important to eat whole grain cereals, to have a high consumption of fruit, vegetables and legumes. It’s also important to eat fatty fish and reduce the consumption of meat and other products related to meat. And a key element is olive oil, mainly extra virgin olive oil.

Ramon Estruch
professor, physician and nutrition researcher