Korean researchers have found that women with the highest level of the tomato carotenoid Lycopene in their blood had less stiffness in their arteries and there was a lower level of oxidized (rancid) LDL-cholesterol. When LDL-cholesterol becomes rancid it contributes significantly to hardening of the arteries. The women who ranged in age from 31 to 75 also had LDL-particle size was also larger decreasing its ability to fit snugly into the walls of arteries and causing damage in the first place.

British researchers investigated any contribution of fish to lowering the risk of dementia in Latin American countries, in China, and in India. One-phase cross-sectional surveys were conducted in all residents aged 65 or older in 11 catchment areas in China, India, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Mexico, and Peru. A total of 14,960 residents were assessed by using the 10/66 standardized protocol, which includes face-to-face interviews for dietary habits and a cross-culturally validated dementia diagnosis.

Researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden followed 1,169 non-diabetic but hospitalized patients who had survived a heart attack. There chocolate consumption was noted and the participants were followed for the next eight-years. Consuming chocolate twice or more per week decreased their risk of dying by 66%, consuming it once a week decreased the risk of dying by 44% and once a month consumption decreased heart related death by 27%.

The Mediterranean diet is very-low in meat and rich in fresh fruits, nuts, seeds, grains, legumes, vegetables, fish, some red wine, and includes quality olive oil as the source of fat (mostly other than fish). In a previous study Dr. N Scarmeas from Colombia University and his team demonstrated that elderly New Yorkers who eat a diet close to the Mediterranean one lowered their risk of Alzheimers by about 40%.