Slash Your Stroke Risk with This Nutrient

     Fight strokes with fiber:For every 7 grams of fiber you add to your diet,your first-time stroke risk drops by 7 percent, says a new study review from the U.K.
     For example, soluble fiber is broken down and fermented in the colon, helping your liver regulate cholesterol levels. It’s also digested slowly, keeping you feeling more full over time. Meanwhile, insoluble fiber helps your body absorb less cholesterol.
     But stick with whole foods rather than popping a supplement. Fiber-rich foods like whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables are also packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that may dial down your stroke risk.
     The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends aiming for 38g of  fiber a day, but few people actually meet that mark, says Threapleton. The good news? Even small increases could lower your stroke risk, she says. Slip in these surprising sources of fiber: avocados (13g per fruit), peas (16g per cup), and popcorn (4g in 3 cups).


by Jessica Girdwain