Strokes kill. Nearly 130,000 Americans die from one each year. Maybe even worse, strokes can cause terrible disability and depression. Almost 800,000 people suffer a stroke annually. As a result many will never walk independently again. Others will have trouble communicating or taking care of themselves. Anything we can do to prevent a stroke is important, especially if it is low risk.
Eating your vegetables could be one of your best defenses against a stroke! That’s the conclusion of a new study published in the journal Stroke (online, May 8, 2014). Researchers analyzed 20 studies involving more than 700,000 volunteers. This meta-analysis revealed that people who consumed the most vegetables (and fruits) were 21 percent less likely to experience a stroke compared to those who consumed the least amount of veggies.
The scientists don’t know what the precise mechanism is that might explain why fruits and vegetables are so beneficial. Some studies suggest that such a diet lowers blood pressure. Other research demonstrates improved circulation. Perhaps people who eat real food that is grown in the ground have lower levels of inflammation because of various nutrients (potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, beta-carotene, flavonoids, etc) as well as fiber.
Who cares why vegetables are good for you? Remember that grandma was right when she told her kids and grandchildren to “eat your vegetables!” She didn’t need science to reinforce what she knew in her bones.
Green leafy vegies are especially healthful. And the old adage to eat an apple a day also appears to be true. The fruits that scored highest on the list were apples, pears and citrus.
This may seem like common sense…something you have heard dozens of times before. But what other vegetables are especially good and how should you prepare them? That’s where our books, Favorite Foods and Recipes and Remedies from The People’s Pharmacy come in.
Here is a partial list of favorite veggies:
- Artichoke
- Arugula
- Asparagus
- Beet greens
- Beets
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Collard greens
- Green beans
- Kale
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Snow peas
- Spinach
- Squash, summer or winter
- Sweet potatoes
- Swiss chard
- Tomatoes
Partial list of favorite Fruits:
- Apple
- Apricot
- Banana
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Cantaloupe
- Cherries
- Currants (dried)
- Grapefruit
- Grapes
- Kiwi
- Orange
- Peach
- Pear
- Pineapple
- Plum
- Pomegranate
- Raisin
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
If you would like to learn more about “Mother Nature’s Medicine,” or our favorite recipes, check out our books. You can get 50% off Recipes and Recipes when you also buy The People’s Pharmacy Quick & Handy Home Remedies.
