Mediterranean diet reversed, but did not prevent, metabolic syndrome

The metabolic syndrome is characterized by three or more risk factors for heart disease, diabetes and stroke. The risk factors include abdominal obesity, high levels of triglycerides, low levels of “good” HDL cholesterol, hypertension and high levels of blood glucose (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute). The Mediterranean diet emphasizes vegetables, fruits, fish and seafood, nuts and legumes.