On Friday, September 20, Saint Joseph's Hospital and Saint Joseph's Heart Center for Women are inviting Metro Atlantans to an educational event featuring the heart healthy Mediterranean diet.

The evening will include delicious tastings of wines, specialty olive oils and dark chocolates along with informal consultations with physicians, nutritionists and exercise specialists from Emory Healthcare and Saint Joseph’s Hospital.

Participants will learn more about the benefits of the Mediterranean diet from diet and nutrition expert Laurence Sperling, MD, medical director of preventive cardiology at Emory Healthcare and professor of medicine at Emory University School of Medicine. Sperling has served on the U.S. News & World Report’s panel of experts evaluating the country's most popular diets for the publication’s annual “Best Diets” ranking since its inception in 2011.

"We know from recent research that the Mediterranean diet has been associated with a decreased risk for heart disease and has also been shown to reduce blood pressure and 'bad' LDL cholesterol," says Sperling.  "This approach to healthy eating largely eliminates saturated fat and includes healthier mono- and polyunsaturated fats in moderation."

A typical Mediterranean diet includes a large amount of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, olive oil and fish. It calls for low or moderate consumption of red meat, poultry and dairy products such as cheese and yogurt.

WHEN:  Friday, September 20, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

WHERE: Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia Hotel, 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, GA 30346

COST: Tickets are $20 per person or $30 per couple. Register online at www.regonline.com/rewardyourheart . A limited number of on-site registrations paid by check or cash will be accepted at the door.

MORE INFO: Please call 678-843-5105 or visit www.stjosephsatlanta.org/womensheart.