A new meta-analysis found no link between saturated fat consumption and heart disease but did find that a Mediterranean diet (41% fat) supplemented with at least 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil or a handful of nuts lowered the risk of cardiovascular events by 30% compared to a low-fat (37% fat) diet.

A Mediterranean diet consists of extra virgin olive oil, vegetables, oily fish, and nuts which contain polyphenols, vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids which are known to attenuate inflammation and thought to prevent coronary thrombosis.