The effects of a Mediterranean-style dietary pattern on cardiovascular disease risk.

Dietary patterns influence cardiovascular disease by inhibiting or promoting atherogenesis. Certain nutrients play key roles at different stages of this process, and the combined nutrients of a Mediterranean-style diet offer a significant source of primary and secondary disease prevention. Although current evidence does not support recommendations for or against single-nutrient supplementation, a Mediterranean-style diet should be recommended to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Current nutrition recommendations and mechanisms by which a Mediterranean-style diet impacts cardiovascular risk are described in this article.