New research has found that following a Mediterranean diet can significantly lower the risk of heart disease in women.

The study, conducted by a team of researchers from various institutions including Harvard University and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, analyzed data from over 25,000 women, tracking their eating habits and health outcomes over the course of more than two decades.

The findings, which were published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, revealed that women who adhered closely to a Mediterranean diet were up to 25% less likely to develop heart disease or experience an early death compared to those who didn’t follow the diet as closely.

The Mediterranean diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats such as olive oil and nuts. It is low in processed foods, red meat, and sugar.

“This study adds to the evidence that a Mediterranean diet can be a powerful tool for promoting heart health, particularly in women,” said Dr. Kathryn Rexrode, one of the study’s authors and Director of the Women’s Health Research Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

The study also found that women who regularly consumed fish, particularly fatty fish such as salmon and sardines, had even lower rates of heart disease.

While the study specifically looked at women, the researchers noted that the benefits of a Mediterranean diet likely apply to men as well.

“Regardless of gender, adopting a Mediterranean-style eating pattern is a smart and delicious strategy for reducing cardiovascular risk,” said Dr. Anne Thorndike, senior author of the study and Director of the Metabolic Kitchen at Harvard Medical School.

The findings add to a growing body of research highlighting the health benefits of a Mediterranean diet, which has been linked to a range of positive outcomes including reduced inflammation, improved brain health, and lower rates of chronic disease.