People who consume a lot of saturated fatty acids contained in meat and dairy products are less likely to be hit by stroke but face a larger risk of heart attack, a recent study by the National Cancer Center and other bodies found.

"It is good to eat meat and milk products moderately," the center said, based on a study of around 82,000 people in Japan.

They classified the subjects into five groups in accordance with their intakes, and found that the incidence of strokes among those who take in the largest amount of fatty acids at 21.6-96.7 grams a day is 23 percent lower than among those who ingest the smallest amount at 0.8-11.7 grams per day.

Intake of saturated fatty acid is believed to increase cholesterol that strengthens blood vessels.

In contrast, the incidence of heart attacks among the biggest consumers of fatty acids is 39 percent higher than among those who eat the least amount.

Thus taking in some 20 grams of saturated fatty acid, equivalent to 200 grams of milk a day, and 150 grams of meat every other day, is considered a safe diet.