CNN —

Following the Mediterranean diet reduces your risk of gum disease, which reduces your risk for inflammation that leads to chronic disease and dementia, a new study found.

While that may seem like an odd combination, it actually makes scientific sense, said Dr. Andrew Freeman, director of cardiovascular prevention and wellness at National Jewish Health in Denver. Latest Forecast

° F FEELS LIKE

HOURLY

DAILY RADAR TRAFFIC Advertisement

"We've known for a really long time that periodontal or gum health is associated with cardiovascular disease and vice versa — they're interconnected. We also know that people that have periodontal disease typically have markers of inflammation," said Freeman, who was not involved in the study.

How does that connect to chronic

See Full Page