An Auckland University study has found a healthy change in diet can lower susceptibility to chronic diseases in less than two months.
The study at the nutrition department of the university's School of Medical Sciences looked at the effect of the Mediterranean diet - which includes fruit, vegetables, nuts, and fish - on reducing inflammation.
Department head Lynnette Ferguson said the study found a significant reduction in inflammation as early as six weeks into the diet.
Professor Ferguson said inflammation can be the catalyst for diseases like Alzheimer's and Crohn's, several heart diseases and some cancers.
She described the findings as significant for people who give up too quickly on healthy eating plans.
