Stroke: eating apricots helps reduce the risk

0

A stroke is a serious and life-threatening condition that occurs when the blood supply to the brain stops. Stroke survivors are often left with life-long problems from brain injury. Although there are treatments for stroke, as with all medical problems, it is best to prevent it from occurring.

High blood pressure is known to be a major risk factor for stroke. That's because it puts extra strain on your organs, including your brain, kidneys, blood vessels, and heart. However, it is possible to lower and maintain blood pressure by making lifestyle changes.

Eating a healthier diet, rich in fruits and vegetables and low in salt, is one way to help. And one fruit in particular may be even more beneficial.

Apricots may hold the key to lowering blood pressure, also known as hypertension. The popular fruit is very rich in potassium. In fact, just 100 grams of dried apricots contain 1,162 milligrams of potassium, or 33 percent of your daily value. By comparison, a regular banana contains 358 milligrams of potassium, which is equivalent to 10 percent of your daily needs.

Potassium-rich foods are important for controlling high blood pressure because potassium reduces the effects of sodium. The more potassium you eat, the more sodium you lose in the urine.

Other potassium-rich foods that may help lower blood pressure include:

• Avocado< /li>
• Melon
• Fat-free yogurt
• Molace
• Mushrooms
• Oranges and orange juice
• Peas
• Potatoes
• Prunes and prune juice
• Raisins and dates
• Spinach
• Tomatoes, tomato juice and tomato sauce
• Tuna