Which foods reduce risk of stroke?

Potassium-rich foods such as potatoes, bananas, tomatoes, prunes, melons, and soybeans can help maintain healthy blood pressure.

High blood pressure is considered a major risk factor for stroke.

New research shows that older people should eat more potassium-rich foods to reduce their risk of stroke. People who get enough potassium are less likely to have a stroke than those who get less minerals.

Swedish researchers have analyzed ten international studies involving more than 200,000 middle-aged and elderly people. Excess potassium intake reduces the risk of stroke by about 24% in people with high blood pressure.

Potassium is an electrolyte that is needed to maintain fluid balance in the body, and it plays a part in regulating blood pressure. However, some people are advised to be careful with their potassium intake, especially if they have kidney disease.

Caution related to potassium is also needed when taking some blood pressure medications.

According to experts, magnesium-rich foods—such as spinach—also reduce the risk of stroke.

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