As a result, women on a Mediterranean-style diet boast a 25 percent lower risk of heart attack and stroke than those following a Western-style diet high in processed foods, meat, sweets, and sugary beverages. Additionally, those who follow the Mediterranean diet in midlife have at least a 40 percent lower risk of developing depression in old age as compared to those on less healthy diets. They also have half the risk of breast cancer. In more good news, women who follow a Mediterranean diet experience a generally milder menopause with far fewer hot flashes.
