Mediterranean Diet May Help Reduce Stroke Risk
A large long-term study suggests that women who closely follow a Mediterranean-style diet may have a lower risk of stroke. Researchers at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center in California tracked over 105,000 women with an average age of 53 for about 21 years. Those who adhered most strongly to the Mediterranean diet — rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, fish, and olive oil, while low in red meat — had significantly fewer strokes overall. This included both ischemic strokes (caused by blocked blood flow) and hemorrhagic strokes (caused by bleeding in the brain).
Women with the highest adherence to the diet were 18 percent less likely to have any stroke, 16 percent less likely to have an ischemic stroke, and 25 percent less likely to have a hemorrhagic stroke. These results remained even after accounting for other risk factors like smoking, lack of exercise, and high blood pressure. Researchers say more studies are needed to confirm the link and understand the underlying mechanisms.
Try this recipe today: Mediterranean Stuffed Grape Leaves
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