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People who consume olive oil may live longer than those who don't since it helps prevent strokes and cuts cancer risk, the BBC News reports of research from the University of Bordeaux in France. The study: More than 7,600 people, all of whom were over the age of 65 and lived in one of three French cities--Bordeaux, Dijon and Montpelier-- were followed for at least five years. Each was asked whether they used olive oil in cooking, on salads or with bread and to say whether that use was intensive, moderate or never. Most used extra virgin olive oil, which is common in France. At the end of the five year period, 148 of the men and women had had a stroke. The results: Those who regularly consumed olive oil had a 41 percent lower risk of stroke than those who never used it. This advantage held even after other factors, such as diet, exercise and weight, were taken into account. Lead study author Dr. Cecilia Samieri says the findings are so solid that older people should be given a new set of dietary recommendations to help prevent stroke. "Stroke is so common in older people, and olive oil would be an inexpensive and easy way to help prevent it," she told the BBC. The study findings were published in the journal Neurology. --From the Editors at Netscape |
Olive oil may be the best health food in your cupboard. Use it to stir-fry vegetables, sprinkle it on your salad or dip your bread in it.
