Claim: A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine followed over 7,000 high-risk adults for 5 years and found that those consuming a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil had a roughly 30% lower rate of heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular death compared to a low-fat control group.
Verdict: Partially True (60% confidence)
Explanation: According to the New England Journal of Medicine, a study found that a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil or nuts reduced the incidence of major cardiovascular events by approximately 30% compared to a low-fat diet (nejm.org). The Guardian also reports that the Mediterranean diet, rich in extra-virgin olive oil, cuts the chances of heart attacks or strokes by 30% for those at risk (theguardian.com). Additionally, CardioSmart confirms that the Mediterranean diet plus oliv...