These Foods Have One Thing in Common: They Can Stop Strokes!

Spinach leaves in a wooden plate

Photo credit: bigstock

Strokes are the third leading cause of death in the US but so few people are aware of the warning signs or how you can prevent them. New research suggests that eating foods that are rich in potassium can reduce the risk of having a stroke.

In this study, researchers used more than 90,000 women from the ages of 50 through 79 and watched them over a period of 11 years. They noted how much potassium these women consumed from their natural foods and then noted if they experienced a stroke or if they had died from another cause during this time frame.

The women in this study showed that those who ate the most potassium were 12 percent less likely to suffer a stroke than women who consumed the least amount of potassium. This study also showed that they were 16 percent less likely to suffer from an ischemic stroke, which is the most common type of stroke, cause by a blood clot.

Also, women who consumed higher levels of potassium had a 10 percent lower risk of dying from any cause, compared to women with the lowest potassium intake, during the study period.

With more than 600,000 strokes occurring each year in the US, killing about 150,000 of them, this is important information that women cannot afford to ignore. Find out top 10 signs you are at risk of a stroke.

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Photo credit: bigstock

Photo credit: bigstock

Raw, organic fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of potassium and this study only goes to prove that eating a plant based diet can greatly decrease your chances of having a stroke.

Researchers also found a link between a high potassium intake and a lower risk of stroke was also much higher for women who had normal blood pressure.

Although this study involved only women, strokes affect both men and women, especially over the age of 55. You don’t have to live in fear of having a stroke, however, as there are plenty of things you can do to lessen your chances such as not smoking, getting regular exercise, and eating a healthy diet rich in organic fruits and vegetables.

About 87 percent of all strokes are called ischemic, which is caused by fatty deposits that stop blood from flowing to the brain. Hemorrhagic strokes are caused by a weak blood vessel in the brain which ruptures and bleeds inside the brain or in the areas surrounding the brain.

Unfortunately, less than 3 percent of American women get sufficient levels of potassium. Women need about 4,700mg of potassium every day and since this important mineral can help the women avoid strokes, it’s vital that women get sufficient amounts.

Just  a few of the foods that are high in potassium are sweet potatoes, white beans, bananas, leafy greens such as spinach, acorn squash, dried apricots, avocados, salmon, yogurt, mushrooms, and white potatoes with the skin.

Eat more potassium rich foods such as the ones listed above. You won’t find much potassium in sodas, candy, or junk foods.

Sources:

Healthaliciousness.com

Newsroom.heart.org

Yourdiseaserisk.wustl.edu

Strokeassociation.org

Strokeassociation.org

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