Low fat and low-carbohydrate Mediterranean diet can help reduce the fatty build up in arteries.

Atherosclerosis is the condition in which an artery wall thickens as the result of a build-up of fatty materials such as cholesterol which increases the risk for heart diseases.

A study was conducted by the researchers in the US, Canada, German. Participants aged 40 to 65 were asked to follow one of three diets, low fat diet, mediterranean diet, and low-carbohydrate diet. They followed the diet for two years, and recorded whatever they ate in food diaries.

Researchers measured the volume of artery walls, the large artery in the neck which transfers blood to the brain. This was done at the beginning of the study and again after two years.

"This study shows you can do something to reduce plaque build-up, even without pills”, said Dr Charles Knight, secretary of the British Cardiovascular Society and a consultant cardiologist.

Although, Dr. Charles Knight informed that the drop in the volume of artery walls was comparatively small and that changing diet, but it is helpful.