ADOPTING a Mediterranean diet could save the lives of 19,000 people a year that die from heart disease or strokes.

According to researchers at the University of Cambridge more than 12 per cent of deaths caused by cardiovascular disease could be avoided by changes to diet.

The study was the first of its kind to look into the real-world benefits of such a diet in the UK.

Over 12 to 17 years, 24,000 people in Norfolk were surveyed.

The Mediterranean diet is about eating a wide variety of food groups and eating them in moderation.

Fresh fish, lentils, fresh fruit and vegetables, low-fat dairy, and red meat in moderation all contribute to a reduced risk of dying from heart disease.

Factors such as being a non-smoker and taking exercise were also taken into account during this study.

Find out how to make an easy Mediterranean lamb dish here:

Using ingredients found at the local supermarket, you can feast on Mediterranean lamb and veggies in just one hour.

You'll need:

  • 2 pepers (any colour)
  • 1 large sweet potato
  • 2 courgettes
  • 1 red onion
  • 8 lean lamb cutlets
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp chopped thyme
  • 2 tbsp chopped mint

Method:

  • Heat the oven to gas mark 7/220C.
  • Roughly chop the peppers, sweet potato, courgettes and onion.
  • Put the veg in a large baking tray and drizzle with oil and season with salt and black pepper, then roast for 25 minutes.
  • Trim the fat from the lamb, then coat with herbs and a few grinds of pepper.
  • Take out the veggies, and push to one side of the baking tray.
  • Place the lamb on the clean side of the tray and put back in the oven for 10 minutes.
  • Turn the cutlets over and return to the oven for another 10 minutes until lightly charred and tender.
  • Mix everything together and serve.