Individuals have a significant capacity to adapt to different environments by changing their core metabolic pathways. This adaptation is especially important in regards to diet. Epidemiological research over the last several decades have shown that diets high in saturated fats have a greater ability to cause insulin resistance and the 'metabolic syndrome' while diets low in saturated fats (or a so called 'Mediterranean Diet), reduces the risk for cardiovascular disease. In humans, experimental diets high in unsaturated fats, as compared to high carbohydrate or high saturated fat diets, result in increased insulin sensitivity and improved lipid profiles.