Speaking to relatives from abroad recently made me recall the fantastic time I had traveling in Europe. Yes, the sightseeing and family visits will always be near and dear to my heart but it is the food and drink that truly stood out. Numerous studies have confirmed the positive effects of the Mediterranean diet, which can reduce the rates of heart disease recurrence and cardiac death by some 50 to 70 per cent.

It may surprise people that the hearty Mediterranean diet is not really that low in fat. But the major difference being its main sources of fat (olive oil, fish, nuts, seeds, and certain vegetables) help to prevent heart disease by improving cholesterol ratios and reducing inflammation.

Think about this for a second. A diet that is delicious with ingredients that can be found in any grocery store. No need to run out to specialty health food stores for tofu or other low-fat, low-taste products. The next secret to this way of eating is preparing most of the food yourself. Processed foods are full of preservatives and other substances which our body sometimes can’t handle and in turn causes inflammation.

Foods that help reduce the inflammatory marker CRP include cold-water fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel; flax seed; canola and olive oil; and walnuts. Fish oil capsules have also been noted as being very effective also.

Other aspects of the Mediterranean diet that are helpful include vegetables, fruits and red wine. We’ve all heard about the overwhelming evidence for a glass of red wine per day. It contains antioxidant properties which help prevent the formation of artery-damaging LDL cholesterol. So I raise a glass of merlot and wish health and happiness to you all. Salute and Bon appetit!

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