Help Prevent Strokes

Cardiovascular diseases including heart disease and stroke are among the world's leading causes of death. Stroke is caused by a disturbance in blood flow to the brain, which can happen as a consequence of a blood clot or bleeding.

However, many observational studies demonstrate that death from these diseases is low in several parts of the world, particularly in Mediterranean countries where olive oil is a main part of the diet. The connection between olive oil and stroke risk has been thoroughly researched. Olive oil was the only source of monounsaturated fat associated with a lower risk of stroke and heart disease, according to a large review of research involving 841,000 participants. Another study of 140,000 people found that those who consumed olive oil had a much lower risk of stroke than those who did not.