Fruit and vegetables cut stroke risk

Eating more than the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day can further reduce the odds of suffering a stroke.

Strokes are caused by a blockage in an artery leading to the brain or bleeding in or around the brain. About 17 million people die each year of cardiovascular diseases, particularly heart attacks and strokes. High blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, raised cholesterol, obesity and lack of exercise are risk factors.

Fruit and vegetables are full of nutrients such as vitamin C, beta carotene and potassium as well as plant proteins and dietary fiber. The researchers suspect that potassium is an important factor in preventing stroke. In addition potassium lowers blood pressure.