Olive Oil For Stroke

Elderly people who consume olive oil have a lower risk of stroke than those who did not consume it, say some researchers, in a study published Wednesday (15/6) in the United States.

Some scientists at the National Institute of Health and Medical Research in Bordeaux, France, 7625 following the development of French people aged 65 years and above, of the three major cities --Bordeaux, Dijon and Montpellier-- for 5 years.

During the study, there are 148 people who had a stroke. The object of the study were divided into several groups according to their actions using olive oil, ranging from people who do not use it at all until they are used in serving food, cooking and baking.

When the researchers adjusted for factors such as body weight, physical activity and food overall, they found they were called the olive oil "intensive" had a 41 percent lower risk of stroke compared to those who never consumed olive oil.

"Our research shows a new series of food advice should be issued to prevent stroke in people aged 65 years and over," said study author, Cecilia Samieri, as reported by AFP.

Meanwhile Dr. Nikolaos Scarmeas, a neurologist at Columbia University Medical Center in New York who wrote an editorial published along with the study, said "We need to remember this is an observational study."

The study found an association between olive oil use by humans and stroke risks they face, said Scarmeas told Reuters Health, monitored ANTARA here on Thursday. But, he said, it does not necessarily translate into cause-effect relationships.

"People who consume olive oil may be very different from those who do not use it," said Scarmeas. Users of olive oil, for example, may have higher incomes, eat better overall or exercise more often than people who had never consumed olive oil.

Researchers in the new study, led by Cecilia Samieri, tried to account for that difference. And once they do, the oil zaitu remain unproven ties lower risk of stroke.

But Scarmeas stated that it was impossible to fully take into account all the variables. What is needed, he said, is a clinical trial, which is the object of study were randomly assigned to use olive oil or not, then followed its development from time to time to see who's had a stroke.

A clinical trial was seen as a sort of "gold standard" of medical evidence.

"Stroke is common among older people and olive oil would be an easy and inexpensive way to help prevent it," said Cecilia Samieri.

The findings are published in the journal of the American Academy of Neurology media, "Neurology".

As known, the olive oil is one of the alternative drugs recommended in Islam.

The Quran says, "And the tree out of Mount Sinai (olive tree), which produces oil, and as an appetizer for those who eat." (Surah Al-Mu'minun: 20)

Umar Bin Khattab said, that the Prophet once said: "Eat olive oil and berminyaklah him, since olive oil comes from a tree that is full of blessing." (HR. Tarmidzi).