According to a study published in the journal Heart, women who follow a Mediterranean diet to improve their heart health can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and death by 25%. The Mediterranean diet is rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruit, legumes, nuts, and extra virgin olive oil; moderate in fish and shellfish; low to moderate in wine; and low in red or processed meats, dairy products, animal fat, and processed foods.

More than one-third of all fatalities among women worldwide are caused by cardiovascular disease. Although a healthy diet, especially the Mediterranean diet, has been an important component of prevention, most pertinent clinical trials have either included very few women or have not reported the results by sex. For the data analysis in the meta-analysis study, the researchers included 16 published studies involving more than 700,000 women aged 18 and above.

In the study, researchers from the University of Sydney showed that women who followed a Mediterranean diet had a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality by 24% and 23%, respectively. They claimed that when compared to those who did not follow this diet, the risk of coronary heart disease was 25% lower, as was the risk of stroke, though this was not statistically significant.

The researchers hypothesized that the relationships can be explained by the antioxidant properties of the Mediterranean diet and the impact of improved gut microbiota on inflammatory and cardiovascular risk factors. Moreover, several elements of the diet, such as polyphenols, nitrates, omega-3 fatty acids, increased fiber consumption, and a lower glycemic load, help reduce cardiovascular risk. 

(Source: https://www.livemint.com/science/health/this-diet-will-reduce-heart-disease-risk-in-women-and-dementia-by-25-11678893372398.html )