Mediterranean diet increases life span

Scientists at the University of Cambridge claim that following the Mediterranean dietary pattern increases the life span of Americans.

According to the study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, individuals with diets closer to the Mediterranean are 21 percent less likely to have a five year mortality rate.

Findings show that the beneficial effects of the diet include reduced mortality risk secondary to cardiovascular disease and cancer.

The study shows by closely following the Mediterranean diet smokers who are not overweight halve their risk of death. In addition, smokers strongly benefit from the antioxidant and blood fat-lowering effects of the Mediterranean-style eating.

The Mediterranean diet which consists of large amounts of fruit and vegetables, seafood, grain and olive, is low in dairy food and red meat.