The Mediterranean diet is the most researched, effective and accessible diet for dealing with a range of lifestyle diseases including cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Dr Catherine Itsiopoulos, Pro Vice Chancellor at Murdoch University, is a world- recognised dietitian and expert on the Mediterranean diet.

In The Heart Health Guide, Catherine provides practical advice, based on up-to- the-minute research, that will help readers understand their condition and improve their health via diet, along with input from leading doctors.

Dr Catherine Itsiopoulos combines her expertise with a love of good food, which dates back to her early years growing up as part of a Greek-Australian family. Catherine has seen first-hand the benefits of the Mediterranean diet based on fresh vegetables and fruit, legumes, fish, nuts, extra virgin olive oil as the main dietary fat, and a moderately low intake of eggs, dairy and meat.

The Heart Health Guide contains 80 delicious recipes and detailed meal plans that provide guidance for the reader seeking to use the diet to improve their CVD outcomes and overall health.

Sustainable, satisfying and suitable for the whole family, the Mediterranean diet is recommended by cardiologists around the world and is proven to improve heart health, as much as it promotes long-term good health and wellbeing.

Editor notes: Coronary heart disease is the single leading cause of death in Australia*, with 20 Australian deaths every day as a result of a heart attack**. With diet a key factor in preventing and reducing risk factors of heart disease, it is more important than ever for Australian’s to improve their diet and overall heart health.