How can I prevent strokes by improving my diet?

  The dietary habits of our residents differ greatly from those of Westerners. In recent years, due to the general improvement of living standards, people’s dietary habits are undergoing major changes.  High salt can raise blood pressure and promote the formation of atherosclerosis, which is one of the main risk factors for stroke, and many studies have confirmed that it is closely related to the occurrence of stroke. The proportion of our nationals eating meat every day has increased significantly, especially the intake of animal fats has grown faster, and the intake of fat and cholesterol is much higher than that of Westerners, making them prone to hypercholesterolemia, which is also one of the main risk factors for stroke.  Some studies have shown that people who usually eat more fruits and vegetables have relatively less chance of having a stroke. The risk of stroke can be reduced by increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables consumed daily. The Chinese Stroke Prevention and Control Guidelines recommend that salt intake should be limited (<6g/day) and cholesterol intake should be <300mg per day; more vegetables, fruits and cereals should be eaten, and milk, fish, beans, poultry and lean meat should be consumed in appropriate amounts to balance energy intake and needs. Change unreasonable dietary habits, by eating cereals and fish (containing unsaturated fatty acids), vegetables, beans and nuts can reduce the intake of saturated fatty acids.