It is now proved that Mediterranean diet is healthy as compared to several other diets and lowers cholesterol upgrading heart health. The February issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource states this.

It was reported that consuming a generous amount amount of fruits and veggies and whole grains are leaded with anti-oxidants thus prevents cholesterol from building up.

Breads, pastas and rice included in the Mediterranean diet are prepared from whole grains. Whole grains contain nutrition, which refined grains lack. This lowers the overall risk of heart disease.

Fats are derived from olive oil. This type of monounsaturated fat can help reduce low-density lipoprotein LDL, or bad cholesterol levels. Omga-3 fatty acid is another fat useful for the body.

Red meat here is not consumed too much and legumes are a major part of the diet.

Wine in moderation also does wonders to the body and some research shows that a light intake of alcohol is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease.

Other major ingredients of this diet are nuts, fish and shell fish.