Olive Oil Helps Prevent Stroke

"A lot more research needs to be carried out scientifically test the effectivenes of olive oil as an ingredient that can protect against stroke" Sharlin Ahmed.

Those who used a lot of olive oil in their diet are found to be in lower risk of stroke than those who never used it; researchers found after following 7,000 people aged 65 and over living in French cities, for at least five years. Olive oil is believed to have potential health benefits as it can protect against conditions as high cholesterol, highblood pressure and heart disease and so it's promising to see that it could have a similar protective function against stroke, said Sharlin Ahmed. It was also mentioned that the risk of stroke would only be reduced through consuming olive oil as an alterative to other cooking fats and as a part of a healthy balanced diet that is low in saturated fat and salt. But please take note that this is based on the responses from the public and not a clinical trial yet. 

Can Cut Cancer Risk

In the news reported by the BBC News on December 23, 2006; a study of 182 European men found those who had 25 mililitres of olive oil per day had reduced levels of a substances which indicate cell damage.The study is in the Federation American Societies for Experimental Biology.

Oxidative damage is a process whereby the metabolic balance of a cell is disrupted by exposure to substances that result in the accumulation of free-radicals, which can then damage the cell.

Phenols are believed to act as a poweful antioxidants that contain the olive oil. Moreover, the micronutrients in the oil have lead the scientists to believe that it makes a good heart protector.

Claire Birks, a senior market analyst at Mintel said, "The popularity of olive oil has not only been helped by its aspirational value, but also by its association with Mediterranean cooking and the health claims linked with this way of life,"

Olive trees were cultivated in the Mediterranean as long ago as 3000 BC. It is the unadulterated juice of crushed olives and contains no additives or preservatives.

It is an oil high in monounsaturates, which means it can help to control cholesterol levels as part of a healthy balanced diet. And its high vitamin E content helps to stave off heart disease.