DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I’ve read that following the Mediterranean diet is good for your heart, but I’m not quite sure why. Could you fill me in?

ANSWER: Extensive research over the years continues to pinpoint the Mediterranean diet as one of the best for your heart. Why? It helps reduce chronic inflammation in the body.

Not all inflammation is bad, but once it becomes chronic, it can lead to heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, dementia and cancer. One of the main risk factors for chronic inflammation is a high-fat, high-sugar diet.

The Mediterranean diet is the opposite of that. And the best part is that eating healthy with the Mediterranean diet feels more like eating and living well. Basically, it’s a model eating plan for good health.

What the Mediterranean diet does

Built around plant-based foods, the Mediterranean diet:

Change up what you eat

If you’re interested in trying the Mediterranean diet, these tips will help you get started:

Modify your lifestyle

While much of the Mediterranean diet revolves around healthy eating, a large part includes slowing down and savoring life — something most of us can benefit from for our well-being and mental health.

The basics of Mediterranean-style eating include:

Plenty of eating plans are out there, but the Mediterranean diet is a holistic approach that encompasses healthy, delicious food and lifestyle choices that promote well-being. Many people who switch to this style of eating say they’ll never eat any other way again.

For more information, talk to your healthcare professional or a registered dietitian nutritionist.

—Janet McCann, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Mayo Clinic Health System, Eau Claire, Wisconsin

(Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. This Mayo Clinic Q&A represents inquiries this healthcare expert has received from patients. For more information, visit www.mayoclinic.org.)

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