The Mediterranean diet is often touted as a healthy way to eat. A new study from Canada has now reported convincing data of its benefits, following a large long-term trial. Over 5000 men and women were recruited to take part in the trial. All the participants were aged 55 to 80 years old with a high risk of heart disease. The participants were asked to follow one of three diets: a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil; a Mediterranean diet supplemented with nuts, or a low fat diet. After nearly five years of following their allocated diet, results showed those eating both types of Mediterranean diets were significantly more likely to have undergone a reversion of metabolic syndrome, with significant decreases in both central obesity and high blood sugar levels.