How does a Mediterranean-style diet compare with a low-fat diet for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD)?

The Effect of Non-Oil Seed Legume Intake on Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

“…For instance, the Mediterranean diet and DASH diet are low in energy density, rich in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, legumes, and nuts, and significantly lower in sodium content in comparison with a Western diet [ 12 ]. These dietary characteristics are paralleled by the increased concentrations of protective nutrients such as fiber, magnesium, and potassium [ [12] , [13] , [14] ]. The BP-lowering effects of such diets have been elucidated as an effective nutritional strategy for hypertension [ 12 , 15 ], shown to reduce SBP by 7.1 mm Hg [ 16 ] and DBP by 2.6 mm Hg [ 12 ], and may be further enhanced by macronutrient manipulation, such as the substitution of carbohydrates for protein [ 17 ].…”