Mediterranean Diet Linked to Lower Stroke Risk in Long-Term Women’s Study

Women who closely followed a Mediterranean-style diet showed a significantly lower risk of stroke over two decades, according to research published in Neurology Open Access, a journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

The study tracked 105,614 women with an average age of 53 who had no prior history of stroke. Participants completed dietary assessments and received scores based on how closely their eating habits aligned with Mediterranean diet principles. Over an average follow-up of 21 years, researchers documented 4,083 strokes, including ischemic and hemorrhagic types.

Women with the highest adherence scores were 18% less likely to experience any stroke compared to those with the lowest scores. Their risk of ischemic stroke was 16% lower, while hemorrhagic stroke risk was reduced by 25%.

Lead author of City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center noted that while the study shows a strong association, it does not prove direct causation. The research was funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

20-02-2026