Perhaps the closest some of us come to eating fish is battered cod on a Friday evening

Eoin Redahan, Stroke Association

The study also showed that even women not taking aspirin to thin the blood, could reduce their risks if they upped their increase of fish.

Women who ate fish one to three times a week had a 7% lower risk of stroke than those who ate it less than once a month.

Those who ate fish once a week had a 22% reduction in risk; there was a 27% reduction for those eating it 3-4 times a week and this rose to 52% for those who ate fish five or more times a week.

But the study found no links between the consumption of fish and the risk of hemorrhagic strokes.

"Excellent news"

The Stroke Association said the study is "excellent news" in the battle against stroke and urged both men and women to start eating more fish.

Eoin Redahan, of the Stroke Association said the research backs calls for people to adopt a more healthy diet, including not only more fish but more fruit and vegetables as well. He said this would help improve health of both men and women.

Types of oily fish

Tuna Mackerel Sardines Herrings

"I would suggest that although this was carried out on women that there would also be benefits, although not proven, for men as well,' he said.

Mr Redahan added that although the study did not specify the type of fish eaten by the women in the study that he suspected it would be oily fish.

"Perhaps the closest some of us come to eating fish is battered cod on a Friday evening, but we would suggest they are not talking about deep fried fish, but fried or grilled fish, he said.