Mixed

Adherence to a Mediterranean diet pattern is associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease mortality and combined vascular events in racial/ethnic minority populations, including African Americans, Hispanics, and Japanese Americans, though effect sizes and statistical significance vary by specific ethnic subgroup and study design.

For racial/ethnic minority populations, adopting a Mediterranean-style dietary pattern is associated with reduced cardiovascular mortality. This does not require strict adherence to traditional Mediterranean foods; instead, focus on increasing intake of vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, and healthy fats (like corn oil or olive oil) while limiting red and processed meats. Culturally adapted versions of the diet have shown similar benefits to white populations in several US studies.