8 Foods That Can Prevent You From Getting A Stroke

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the world, just behind heart disease and cancer. While it is true that it is impossible to be 100% sure that you will never suffer from a stroke, many studies have shown that if you have a healthy lifestyle where you include certain basic foods in your diet, it can help prevent the chance of getting hit by up to 30%.

It is an effort that is worth taking, because it will not only help you avoid suffering from this disease – it will also give you a better quality of life. So why not start including these important foods in your diet today? Keep an eye on what they are!

Foods that help improve the health of your brain

You might think that the age group that has the greatest chance of having a stroke is the one with people who are between 55 and 70 years old. That’s not true. Unfortunately, strokes can occur in younger people as easily as they can in older people.

Sometimes it is a genetic or hereditary factor that should not be overlooked, but a poor diet and a life filled with stress and anxiety will increase the risk of getting a stroke. That is why it pays to eat the right things to reduce the risk of it, and to be able to enjoy a better quality of life.

Let’s find out what  foods you should eat every day.

1. Carrots

According to a study conducted at Harvard University in 2008, eating around five servings of carrots a week can reduce the risk of stroke by 50%.

Although it is important to be a little skeptical of these data, no one can deny the natural benefits of carrots – this vegetable is rich in antioxidants, which  prevents the formation of blood clots and promotes good circulation. It is wise to enjoy carrots whenever you can.

2. Brussels sprouts

Brussels sprouts are rich in potassium and folate, which are essential nutrients to prevent the buildup of cholesterol in the arteries and eliminate toxins from the body through the urine.

3. Avocado

All you have to do is eat half an avocado a day. They are rich in fatty acids that are good for the brain, such as omega-3 fatty acids. They prevent cell aging and oxidation. Remember… half an avocado a day!

4. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a natural source of antioxidants such as lycopene, which are known to help prevent stroke due to their ability to reduce blood pressure and improve blood circulation. All of this is related to a substance known as homocysteine, which is associated with a higher risk of suffering from stroke.

5. Sardines in oil

It is advisable to eat this twice a week. Why? Sardines are a natural source of healthy fats, calcium and vitamin D. They protect your brain naturally, although there is one thing you should know: If you open a box of sardines and do not eat all of them, never leave them lie in the box they came in. Place them in a glass container or other non-metal container.

6. Melons and watermelons

Both of these fruits have a very high water content and are rich in minerals and antioxidants. They have a low sodium content, which makes them perfect for lowering cholesterol levels and avoiding atherosclerosis. Make sure you try to include a bowl of watermelon or cantaloupe every day.

7. Green tea

You should never stop drinking your daily cup of green tea. It is a natural source of antioxidants and polyphenols, as well as essential substances that help reduce cholesterol and fight the cognitive aging process. To get the most out of green tea, be sure to drink it 20 minutes after meals.

8. Oats

Eating oatmeal for breakfast can help reduce blood sugar levels. This helps keep bad cholesterol, or LDL, at bay. Do not forget that oats are also excellent for reducing stress and providing your brain with important nutrients such as zinc and iron. Why not start your day with a bowl of oatmeal?

Important things to remember about your risk of getting stroke

Although the foods we described above can help reduce the risk of you suffering from a stroke of between 30 and 50%, it is important that you also consider these aspects:

• You should have a balanced and varied diet. You do not want to eat the same things every day all year round, so you should rather try to combine foods in a creative way. For example, as Ly M. Steffen, an epidemiologist at the University of Minnesota, has explained, eating three fruits, plus three vegetables, can help you avoid being hit more than if you limit yourself to just five fruits and no vegetables.
• Do not think that you have to limit what you eat completely in order to be able to avoid certain diseases. Definitely not. You should eat “healthy fats”, such as olive oil, to protect the health of your brain.
• Last but not least, you need to control your stress and your everyday situations. Try not to live a life where you forget to fight your sedentary lifestyle. You lose the intellectual curiosity and the positive emotions in everyday life.

Take care of your overall health, then you will also take care of your brain!