Regular Olive Oil Consumption Found To Protect Older People From Stroke

French scientists have found evidence that regular use of olive oil for both cooking and as a dressing can significantly reduce the risk of a stroke in older people. The researchers analyzed the medical records of 7,625 people ages 65 and older. None had a history of stroke. They categorized the subjects by no use of olive oil, moderate use (in cooking or dressing) or intensive use (in cooking and dressing). Over five years, those who regularly used olive oil for both cooking and as dressing had a 41 percent lower risk of stroke compared to those who never used olive oil. “These results suggest a protective role for high olive oil consumption on the risk of stroke in older subjects,” the researchers concluded.