"We were surprised because of the great magnitude" of the association between the diet and the reduced risk of PAD, study author Miguel Martínez-Gonzalez, a researcher at the University of Navarra in Spain, tells us in an email. "This is a very important step in confirming a truly causal relationship between the [Mediterranean-style diet] and cardiovascular protection."

As we've reported, there are a host of beneficial compounds in olive oil that may play a role in reducing inflammation and build up of fatty deposits.

Copyright 2014 NPR.

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More Signs A Mediterranean Diet Helps Prevent Cardiovascular Ills