Dietary modification could be a simple way to reduce the risk of stroke

Main Category: Stroke
Also Included In: Preventive Medicine;  Nutrition / Diet
Article Date: 05 Jul 2004 - 4:00 PST


Dietary modification could be a simple way to reduce the risk of stroke say researchers. The research shows a diet that consists of meats, refined grains and desserts is associated with a greater risk for stroke than a diet of fruits, vegetables, fish, legumes and whole grains.

The study included dietary information on 71,768 female nurses between 38 and 63 years old. The women had no history of heart disease or diabetes. They completed questionnaires about their diet every few years for 14 years.

Researchers tracked how many of the women had a stroke and then compared their diets. They rated the women's diets based on if they ate more of a Western diet or a prudent diet. During the follow-up, 791 women in the study had had a stroke.

It was found that women who ate a Western diet vs. a prudent diet had a higher risk of developing a stroke . They say those who had the highest scores for a Western diet, meaning they mainly ate meat, refined grains and sweets, had a more than 50-percent increased risk for a stroke compared to women who ate a Western diet but included some aspects of a prudent diet. Furthermore, women who had Western eating habits were more likely to smoke, less likely to take vitamins, and less active.

Thus researchers conclude saying that people should examine the different components of their diet and try to make some positive changes.

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