5 foods that can lower the chances of getting a stroke

A stroke is a medical emergency, that occurs when there is a loss of blood flow to part of the brain. Your brain are unable to get oxygen and nutrients they need from blood, and start to die within a few minutes. This can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death. Stroke can be caused by a variety of factors including High Blood Pressure, smoking, diabetes, and poor diet. However, certain foods provide cardiovascular benefits which help decrease blood pressure while fighting inflammation. The following five foods can decrease your chances of experiencing a stroke.... Take a look...

Leafy greens consisting of spinach, kale, collard greens etc provide brain and heart protection through their essential nutritional value. Your body transforms dietary nitrates from leafy greens into the beneficial compound nitric oxide. The production of nitric oxide results in blood vessel relaxation and expansion, which enhances blood flow while decreasing blood pressure levels. Stroke prevention becomes more likely through the consumption of leafy greens because high blood pressure remains a significant risk factor for stroke. The nutritional elements in these vegetables help protect blood vessels through their vitamin content and antioxidant properties, which fight dangerous molecules in the body. A person who consumes one cup of leafy greens each day will experience decreased chances of developing ischemic stroke, that occurs because of clots obstructing brain blood flow.

The heart and brain benefits of walnuts, stem from their content of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) which belongs to the omega-3 fatty acid family. Omega-3s in the body create anti-inflammatory effects, which enhance blood circulation and decrease blood pressure levels to minimise stroke occurrence. Walnuts contain protective antioxidants which shield the body from oxidative stress, by protecting its cells and blood vessels. Scientific research indicates walnuts consumed on a regular basis, help decrease both heart disease and stroke risks. Daily consumption of a handful of walnuts along with almonds and flaxseeds, maintains your vascular system.

Vitamin C along with potassium and flavonoids from citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits and lemons, provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The nutrients in these foods work to preserve healthy blood vessels while decreasing inflammation, which leads to damage and blockages. Studies prove that eating citrus fruits regularly decreases stroke risk through improved blood vessel function, together with lowered blood pressure. Eating different citrus fruits each day through natural juice consumption provides these health benefits.

Salmon, mackerel, trout and fresh tuna among other fatty fish varieties are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. The healthy fats in these foods decrease blood pressure, while simultaneously fighting inflammation and improving cholesterol numbers through increased good HDL cholesterol and decreased bad LDL cholesterol. These beneficial outcomes decrease the probability of blood clots that block brain blood flow. Medical professionals advise patients to consume fatty fish twice to three times weekly, to prevent stroke. You can prepare these fish by grilling or baking them, and using them in salads and pasta dishes.

Yogurt, alongside other low-fat dairy products supply the body with calcium, potassium, protein and vitamin D. The body maintains healthy blood pressure through potassium, which regulates sodium levels. Healthy blood vessels together with strong bones, receive support from calcium and vitamin D. Selecting low-fat or non-fat dairy alternatives instead of full-fat versions, enables people to minimise their intake of saturated fat and cholesterol, which can negatively impact heart health. Research indicates that regular yogurt consumption leads to lower probabilities of developing stroke and heart disease. Yogurt serves as a snack that can be combined with fresh fruit and whole grains during breakfast time.

Sources

https://www.healthline.com/health/stroke/foods-that-prevent-stroke

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6047334/

https://continentalhospitals.com/blog/10-foods-to-add-to-your-diet-that-help-prevent-stroke/

https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/8-things-you-can-do-to-prevent-a-stroke

https://www.geisinger.org/health-and-wellness/wellness-articles/2018/05/08/13/47/these-brain-foods-could-cut-your-risk-of-stroke

Disclaimer: This article is informational only and not a substitute for medical advice