Love fried foods? Fying in olive oil may spare your heart

Debunking the long-held belief that fried foods spell disaster for your cardiovascular health, a new study finds that as long as you use olive or sunflower oil, fried foods may not be so bad after all. Published in the British Journal of Medicine on Tuesday, the findings reveal no increased risk of heart disease or premature death when food is fried in "healthy" oils.

Researchers at the Autonomous University of Madrid in Spain studied 40,757 adults about their diet in an 11-year study. The participants were surveyed about their diets and food preparation, with findings showing no link between fried foods in the diet and heart disease.

"Before we all reach for the frying pan, it's important to remember that this was a study of a Mediterranean diet rather than British fish and chips," Victoria Taylor of the British Heart Foundation told the BBC.

The Mediterranean diet has long been established as a heart-healthy lifestyle in that it is chock full of fresh fruits, healthy oils, vegetables, and fish, as well as the occasional glass of red wine.

Health experts already know that fat-laden foods can raise blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as lead to weight gain. "Regardless of the cooking methods used, consuming foods with high fat content means a high calorie intake," Taylor adds. "A well-balanced diet, with plenty of fruit and veg and only a small amount of high fat foods, is best for a healthy heart."