The VCU Health article, citing a dietitian, accurately reflects the scientific consensus that the Mediterranean diet is a highly effective eating pattern for maintaining and improving heart health. This is corroborated by numerous reputable health organizations, including the American Heart Association (AHA) and Mayo Clinic, which consistently endorse the Mediterranean, DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), and healthy plant-based diets as leading choices for cardiovascular well-being. These heart-healthy diets share core principles: a rich intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; preference for lean protein sources such as legumes, nuts, seeds, fish, and poultry; and the incorporation of healthy fats, particularly olive oil. Conversely, they advocate for limiting processed foods, red and processed meats, added sugars, high sodium, and unhealthy saturated and trans fats. The DASH diet, for instance, specifically targets blood pressure reduction, demonstrating significant positive outcomes. The American Heart Association's 2023 scientific statement notably rated the DASH diet with a perfect score for heart health, with the Mediterranean and pescatarian diets also ranking highly. The headline's use of "may be" accurately reflects that while several diets are highly beneficial, the Mediterranean diet is consistently highlighted as a top recommendation with extensive research backing its efficacy. The article avoids sensationalism by presenting well-established dietary advice.