But the Mediterranean diet is not just about fats. A variety of whole grains such as polenta, pasta and bulgur wheat sustain the bottom level of the so-called Mediterranean diet pyramid. Research has shown that fibre in the diet, particularly cereal fibre, lowers the risk of heart attack. One study involved 51,500 health professionals and another 121,700 nurses. Of course, eating the right food is not the only prescription for a healthy lifestyle.
Exercise counts, too.
As does alcohol . Two drinks a day raises good cholesterol the same as exercising 40 minutes a day, Rimm says. He also recommends three drinks a week and a sufficient folic acid intake for men and women . But anyone can switch to a healthy lifestyle, Rimm says. Like the doctors said, drink more wine and olive oil.