Research paper
Estruch R, Ros E, Salas-Salvado J, Covas MI, Corella D, Aros F, Gomez-Gracia E, Ruiz-Gutierrez V, Fiol M, Lapetra J, Lamuela-Raventos RM, Serra-Majem L, Pinto X, Basora J, Munoz MA, Sorli JV, Martinez JA, Martinez-Gonzalez MA; PREDIMED Study Investigators. Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease with a Mediterranean Diet Supplemented with Extra-Virgin Olive Oil or Nuts. New England Journal of Medicine. 2018 Jun 21;378(25):e34. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1800389. Corrected republication of N Engl J Med. 2013;368(14):1279-90.
Why we cite it
Provides randomized controlled trial evidence that a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil or mixed nuts reduces major cardiovascular events by approximately 30% in high-risk adults, without requiring calorie restriction. Directly relevant to the project because it demonstrates that changing dietary pattern — not restricting calories — can produce major health benefits, supporting the approach of making qualitative food substitutions rather than focusing solely on quantity.