Scientists engaged 162 men and women (non-smokers) aged between 40 to 70 and measured their blood pressure, artery health and cholesterol - All factors that are usually good indicators of the chances of someone getting a stroke.
One group was given the ideal 'healthy diet' which is based on the current dietary recommendations in the UK. It's high in fat, salt and sugar, and low in fibre, oily fish, fruits and vegetables. The second group ate a diet with higher amounts of fruit and vegetables, less of animal fat, oily fish once a week, replaced refined with wholegrain cereals and restricted salt and sugar intake. Both the groups were also asked to limit their intake of sweets, biscuits, cake, chips and alcohol.
The 'healthy diet' resulted in a considerable drop in blood pressure, an average reduction in heart rate, 8% in men and 4 % in women, and an 8% fall in cholesterol levels.
