1. It’s the best way to lose weight
People on a calorie-rich diet, packed with ‘good’ fats such as those in olive oil, lost more weight than those who strictly controlled their calories. A University of Barcelona study also found that cutting down on fat was the least effective way to trim ‘spare tyres’.
2. You’ll live longer
One in ten residents in the Italian village of Acciaroli, on the banks of the Mediterranean, will live to 100. Their simple secret? A healthy Mediterranean diet flavoured with plenty of rosemary, said to help with brain function.