What dietary pattern is often associated with promoting heart health?

The Mediterranean diet is often recognized for its benefits in promoting heart health due to its emphasis on whole, nutrient-rich foods and healthy fats. This dietary pattern primarily includes a high intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, along with moderate consumption of fish and poultry, and lower intake of red meat and saturated fats.

Olive oil stands out as a key source of healthy monounsaturated fats within the Mediterranean diet, which can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease. Additionally, this diet is rich in antioxidants from the variety of fruits and vegetables included, which can protect against oxidative stress and inflammation, further supporting cardiovascular health.

The Mediterranean diet also encourages a lifestyle that includes regular physical activity and social meals, contributing to overall well-being. Research has consistently shown that adherence to this dietary pattern is associated with reduced cardiovascular risks, making it a strong recommendation for heart health.

In contrast, the other dietary patterns listed each have different focuses. The Keto diet and Atkins diet are high in fats and proteins while being low in carbohydrates, which may lead to short-term weight loss but are not specifically designed with heart health in mind. The Paleo diet emphasizes lean meats and excludes whole grains and dairy, which can