Are you eating your veggies?

Eating More Fruits and Vegetables Linked to Lower Stroke Risk

It is well recognized that a well balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables is beneficial for health. Now, researchers are finding an association between higher intakes of fruits and vegetables and lower risk of stroke. In fact, one of the reviewers noted that an estimated 80% of strokes can be prevented by changing lifestyle factors, including nutrition. In a review of previous studies, published in Nutrition Review, authors find that eating 3-5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day can lead to a lower risk of stroke compared to eating less than 3 servings. Given the data available, reviewers were unable to find conclusive evidence for the protective effects of other components of diet such as dairy or fatty fish, or other diet patterns such as vegetarian or vegan. It is recommended that adults consume 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. Sherzai A, Helm L, Boothby C, Sherzai A. Stroke, food groups, and dietary patters: a systematic review. Nutrition Reviews. 2012. 70(8): 423-435.