7 Foods That Reduce the Risk of Strokes in Older Adults

As adults become older, the likelihood of developing various medical conditions increases. Cardiovascular disease processes that include strokes claim the lives of millions each year. However, stroke is a preventable disease. The La Mesa elderly home care experts at Coast Care Partners discuss a few healthy foods that reduce stroke risk. 

1. Beans 

Lentils, garbanzo beans, great white northern beans, and pinto beans are all rich sources of fiber, folate, and magnesium. Each serving of beans provides more than 250 mcg of folate, which has been shown to reduce stroke risk by up to 20 percent.

2. Citrus Fruits 

By eating an orange, grapefruit, or other citrus fruit daily, older adults can reduce the chances of strokes by up to 19 percent. Along with vitamin C, citrus fruits are rich in antioxidants and flavonoids that inhibit free radicals from causing cell damage. 

3. Garlic 

Garlic has antimicrobial properties that reduce inflammation and prevent blood vessel blockages. The aromatic vegetable also lowers blood pressure and cholesterol by inhibiting fat deposits in the blood. Garlic's anticoagulant characteristics also aid in preventing blood clot formation. 

4. Fat-Free or Low-Fat Dairy Products 

A study conducted by researchers from the Karolinska Institutet followed adults over a decade-long period. The research established that individuals who consumed the most dairy products reduced their stroke risk by 12 percent. The rich calcium and vitamin D sources found in these foods can normalize blood pressure. 

5. Sweet Potatoes 

These popular vegetables are rich in potassium, which counteracts the adverse effects of salt and aids in controlling blood pressure. Researchers evaluated the health habits and stroke statistics of more than 90,000 women for more than a decade. They discovered that those who consumed higher levels of potassium reduced their risk of strokes by 12 percent. 

6. Tomatoes 

Researchers from Harvard Medical School explain that tomatoes have the ability to reduce stroke risk due to their rich lycopene content. Lycopene is an antioxidant that eliminates the free radicals that damage cellular DNA. A group of scientists from Finland learned that men who had high levels of antioxidants in their blood reduced the risk of strokes by 55 percent. 

7. Whole Grains 

The Harvard Medical School study found that seniors reduced their stroke risk by one percent for every gram of whole grains they consumed daily. Whole grains are a great source of fiber and magnesium, which have both been equated with lowering stroke risk. Eating brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat bread, or other whole grains daily enables older adults to lower their chances of having a stroke by up to 40 percent. Older adults can significantly lower their risk for serious health issues by receiving professional in-home care. When it comes to high-quality respite or 24-hour care, La Mesa seniors trust Coast Care Partners. We offer a wide variety of comprehensive and customized home care plans for older adults. All our services are quality-assured and tailored to suit the needs of senior citizens as well as their family members. To learn about our services, give us a call at 619-354-2544 today.