Pasta With Tomato Sauce And Salad Could Cut Your Risk Of Having A Stroke

Eating a bowl of wholegrain pasta with a mixed salad could cut your risk of a stroke, say researchers. They found people who regularly eat more dietary fibre were less likely to suffer a stroke, with the risk falling by about seven per cent for each high-fibre meal. Good sources of fibre include whole grains, fruit and vegetables, and nuts, which contain parts of the plant the body doesn�t absorb during digestion. Previous research suggests dietary fibre can reduce risk factors for stroke, including high blood pressure and high levels of �bad� cholesterol. In the new study, researchers found that each seven gram increase in total daily fibre intake was linked to a seven per cent drop in first-time stroke risk. One serving of whole wheat pasta, plus two servings of fruits or vegetables, provides about 7 grams of fibre, said UK researchers in the American Heart Association journal Stroke. Lead author, Diane Threapleton, from the University of Leeds� School of Food Science and Nutrition, said: �Greater intake of fibre-rich foods - such as whole-grains, fruits, vegetables and nuts - are important for everyone, and especially for those with stroke risk factors like being overweight, smoking and having high blood pressure.