Research led by Dr. Denis Lairon of the Faculty of Medicine Timone, Marseille, France said the Mediterranean diet consists of foods rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and olive oil and red meat in moderation may help reduce the risk of heart disease.

The results are recorded in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition is examined 212 male and female respondents who assessed risk of experiencing a heart attack to a Mediterranean diet or choose low-fat diet for three months.

The participants were asked to consume a Mediterranean diet of fish four times a week and red meat once a week. Men are allowed to drink two glasses of red wine every day but only one glass for women.

Meanwhile, for low-fat dieters are encouraged to consume meat from poultry products and away from pork, beef or other mammal, eat fish two or three times a week, away from animal products, saturated fat, consumption of vegetables and fruit, low fat dairy products and vegetable oil.

The researchers also found that eating habits are very influential in the two groups. All participants consumed a small amount of calories and more protein and carbohydrates, less fat and saturated fat consumption. Both groups showed significant results for the decrease in body mass index.

Meanwhile, participants of the Mediterranean diet, noted the positive results, with total cholesterol was down to 7.5%, 4.5% lower than the group of low-fat dieters. Based on this reduction, the researchers also noted the Mediterranean dieters experienced a decrease risk of heart disease drops to 15%, while the low-fat dieters only 9%.