Olive Oil Reduces Stroke Risk Study Suggests

Researchers from the University of Bordeaux in France have found that olive oil could help prevent strokes in people over 65.

Around 7,000 people aged 65 and over living in three French cities were followed by the team of researchers for at least five years. The study found that stroke risk was 41 per cent lower in those who regularly used olive oil compared with those who never used it, once other factors such as diet, exercise and weight were taken into account.

The researchers suggest that older people should be given new dietary advice regarding olive oil, based on the findings.

Dr Sharlin Ahmed, Research Liaison Officer at The Stroke Association says,

"Olive oil has long been known to have potential health benefits.  It is believed that it could protect against conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and heart disease and so it’s promising to see that it could have a similar protective function against stroke.

"However, it’s important to note that a person’s risk of stroke would only be reduced through consuming olive oil as an alternative to other cooking fats and as part of a healthy balanced diet that is low in saturated fat and salt.

"This is also a study based on responses from the public and not a clinical trial. A lot more research therefore needs to be carried out to scientifically test the effectiveness of olive oil as an ingredient that can protect against stroke."

You can read more on this story on the BBC News website.

16th June 2011 Source-   The Stroke Association www.stroke.org.uk