A new study found that people who consumed a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil or nuts had a lower risk of major cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes compared to those who followed a low-fat diet. Researchers followed over 7,000 participants for up to 5 years and found those on the Mediterranean diet supplemented with olive oil or nuts had a 30% lower risk of major cardiovascular problems. The Mediterranean diet emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds; includes fish and poultry; uses olive oil as the main fat; eats dairy products like yogurt and cheese in low to moderate amounts; and eats red meat only rarely, in small portions.