The heart-healthy Mediterranean diet is a healthy eating plan based on typical foods and recipes of Mediterranean-style cooking.

The diet includes fruits, vegetables, fish and whole grains, plus a splash of flavorful olive oil and perhaps a glass of red wine.

Research has shown that the traditional Mediterranean diet 

• reduces the risk of heart disease
• is associated with a lower level of the "bad" cholesterol
• is associated with a reduced incidence of cancer, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. 

• Eating of primarily plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts
• Replacing butter with healthy fats such as olive oil and canola oil
• Using herbs and spices instead of salt to flavor foods
• Limiting red meat