Mediterranean Diet with Olive Oil or Nuts Reduces Heart Disease Risk: A Landmark Study

Dr. Kumar’s Take:

A major clinical trial confirms what nutrition experts have long suspected: eating a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil or nuts can lower the risk of heart disease. This study, which followed over 7,400 people at high cardiovascular risk, found that those who ate a Mediterranean diet had up to a 31% lower risk of heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death.

Actionable Tip: If you’re looking to protect your heart, start by switching to a Mediterranean diet with plenty of extra-virgin olive oil or a daily handful of nuts. These small changes can reduce your absolute risk of heart disease by up to 2.1 percentage points over five years.

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Coconuts, Cholesterol, and Heart Health: What a Study on Polynesian Atolls Reveals

Dr. Kumar’s Take:

A study from 1981 examined how a diet high in saturated fat from coconuts affected cholesterol levels and the incidence of heart disease in two Polynesian populations. High saturated fats from coconuts led to increased cholesterol levels with no evidence of heart disease. This suggests that natural, whole-food sources of saturated fat are not harmful. Studies like this challenge common beliefs about coconut oil, saturated fats, and heart health.

Actionable tip: If you’re consuming saturated fats from coconut, focus on unprocessed, whole-food sources like fresh coconut and coconut milk, rather than sweetened or refined versions.

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Is Coronary Artery Calcium Testing the Best Way to Decide on Statins?

Dr. Kumar’s Take:

A recent study from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) suggests that coronary artery calcium (CAC) testing can help doctors make better decisions about who should take statins. Instead of giving statins to all intermediate-risk patients, CAC testing allows doctors to focus treatment on those who truly need it, potentially reducing unnecessary medication use and side effects.

If you’re at intermediate risk for heart disease, getting a CAC test could help you and your doctor make a more informed decision about statin therapy. It may be a cost-effective way to prevent heart disease while avoiding unnecessary medication.

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