They were allowed a moderate amount of red wine with their meals. Patients and their families were seen by the dietician at the start of the study, two months later and then once a year. Their compliance on the diet was monitored, and the levels of fats in their blood tested regularly. All other factors which could play a part in the development of heart disease, such as smoking, exercise, and drug treatment, were taken into account and included in the statistical analysis. All participants in the trial were watched for signs of heart disease, and malignant and nonmalignant tumours.
People living in Mediterranean countries have a low incidence of most cancers.
Both groups of patients were followed up for several years. The results Those on the Mediterranean diet had significantly fewer premature deaths from any cause, than those in the control group. Both deaths from heart disease, and the occurrence of heart disease, were also reduced. The incidence of cancer was also lower in the group eating the Mediterranean diet. The results of this trial confirm the impressive protective effect of the Mediterranean diet.