Predimed

Predimed (Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea) is a large, long-term, randomized controlled trial conducted in Spain to assess the efficacy of the Mediterranean diet in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. The study, involving thousands of participants at high cardiovascular risk, investigated the effects of two Mediterranean diet interventions supplemented with either extra-virgin olive oil or nuts, compared to a control group advised to follow a low-fat diet.

The Predimed study has been highly influential in promoting the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet and has provided substantial evidence supporting its role in reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events. Its findings have been widely published in peer-reviewed medical journals and have contributed to dietary recommendations globally.

Key aspects of the Predimed study include its large sample size, long follow-up period, and randomized controlled design, which strengthen the validity of its conclusions. The study has also spurred further research into the mechanisms by which the Mediterranean diet exerts its beneficial effects.

The interventions emphasized in the study included encouraging consumption of olive oil (especially extra virgin), nuts, fruits, vegetables, fish, and legumes, while limiting red meat and processed foods. The two intervention groups received free supplies of extra virgin olive oil or mixed nuts to ensure adherence to the dietary recommendations.