Who needs a fountain of youth when there’s the Mediterranean diet? It was recently discovered that the popular plan—which is made up of whole grains, veggies, fruits, legumes, lean protein, and healthy fats—helps to keep your bones strong as you age. But, its anti-aging rep doesn’t end there: New research found that’s just the beginning of its youthful benefits.

Not one, not two, but six new articles made their way into the March issue of The Journals of Gerontology, Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, revealing even more science connecting the popular diet to its ability to slow down the aging process.

Research showed the Mediterranean diet could protect the body against oxidative stress and keep inflammation at bay—and both of those effects can play a role in slowing down the aging process, helping you live a long, happy, healthy life.

While some of the research showed that sticking to the diet led to better physical function and healthier aging overall, other findings noted the nutrition plan could also protect the body against oxidative stress and keep inflammation at bay—and both of those effects can play a role in slowing down the aging process, helping you to live a long, happy, healthy life.

If you want to reap some of the anti-aging benefits of the diet without jumping in full force, jot down some of the notable rules the study participants followed: Limit your dairy and intake of red and processed meats, drink low to moderate amounts of wine (and only with meals!), and eat fruit as your go-to dessert. You’ll be reaping the longevity benefits for a long time to come.

Could your ideal diet be based on your family tree? Also, this is the real reason Mediterranean chefs love cooking with olive oil.