The #1 Best Diet to Protect Your Kidneys, New Study Says — Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

Now, new evidence suggests that following a Mediterranean diet—one with plenty of extra virgin olive oil—could help preserve kidney function, especially for those who have dealt with heart troubles in the past.

Researchers assigned half of these participants to stick to a Mediterranean diet rich in extra virgin olive oil and half to follow a low-fat diet rich in complex carbohydrates.

"Our main findings are that the long-term consumption of a Mediterranean diet—one [that is] rich in monounsaturated fat from olive oil—when compared to a low-fat diet, slows and preserves kidney function in those persons with coronary heart disease," study co-author Elena Yubero Serrano, PhD, tells Eat This, Not That!.

In fact, the study actually found that both diets were linked with improved kidney function, though the positive effect was significantly more pronounced with the high-EVOO Mediterranean diet.

Maintaining kidney health is key for people with coronary heart disease because your kidneys don't just remove waste and extra fluid.