Back in March, we blogged about a new study that found those that the people eating the Mediterranean diets had reduced stroke and other cardiovascular diseases by about 30 percent compared to low-fat dieters.

Now there’s even more good news about about the Mediterranean diet — a new study found the Mediterranean diet was significantly better than a low-fat diet in preserving brain function.

In a study published by the Journal of Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, researchers took a group of about 522 men and women between the ages of 55 and 80 who did not have heart disease, but were at a higher risk, and broke them into three groups.

Group 1: Ate a Mediterranean diet with extra virgin olive oil.

Group 2: Ate Mediterranean diet supplemented with mixed nuts

Group 3: Ate a low fat diet

After 6 1/2 years, participants’ cognitive functions (language skills, memory, abstract thinking, etc.) were tested. The Results – Group 1 and Group 2, which were different versions of a Mediterranean diet, scored significantly higher.

So what IS the Mediterranean Diet? In short this lifestyle is based on diet with fish & seafood, fruits & veggies, nuts, legumes, and olive oil, while enjoying yogurt, eggs, and cheese in moderation. What you won’t find much of —is red meat, sugar, and saturated fat.

Check out this pyramid from Oldwayspt.org for a great break down.

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