5 Foods That Are Best For Stroke Recovery

Vegans have a lower risk of stroke by default and a plant-based diet is a good choice for recovering patients. However, there are some specific foods that can help restore your health more efficiently.If you or someone you love has had a stroke, a speedy recovery and avoiding a second stroke will be top priorities. Proper nourishment can help with both of these goals, by aiding recuperation and by reducing several stroke risk factors influenced by food choices, including obesity, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Stroke survivors often deal with obstacles which make mealtimes challenging. These can include diminished appetite, difficulties with swallowing and muscle weakness or dulled sensation in the hand or arm. Adaptive eating utensils such as rocker knives, which allow for the cutting of food with one hand, can help make mealtimes more comfortable and serene. Choosing appetizing, healthy food can also help. Here are 10 staples no stroke survivor’s kitchen should be without.

* Bell peppers

Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C and are easier for the stomach of a person recovering after stroke than citrus fruits. This element is an extremely potent antioxidant and it helps your arteries heal. Other vitamin C rich foods include kiwi fruits, pineapples, broccoli, and leafy greens.

* Garlic

Garlic is renowned for its antimicrobial properties and is considered one of the foods that strengthen the immune system. Fewer people realize that this food is also very good for stroke prevention. Some of the active elements in garlic reduce the plaque in the arteries, which naturally decreases the risk of stroke. This food also has some blood thinning properties. On one hand, this means that eating it regularly can help lower blood pressure a little. On the other, you shouldn’t consume garlic if you are taking any anticoagulants.

* Brazil nuts

How to Roast Brazil Nuts: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Brazil nuts are one of the best foods for stroke recovery not only for vegans. They are exceptionally rich in selenium, an element necessary to help your brain and arteries heal naturally. It also has a very strong positive influence on the immune system and can reduce the rate of plaque formation in the blood vessels. You can roast Brazil nuts, eat them raw, or add to smoothies and salads. About 3 nuts a day would be enough to meet the daily requirement of selenium.

* Walnuts

Walnuts are one of the best plant sources of omega 3 fatty acids. These fats are essential for proper brain function. Thus, they can speed up the process of post-stroke recovery. They also help reduce inflammation, which lowers the risk of another attack.

* Sesame seeds

Benefits of sesame seeds are so numerous, they can class as a superfood. For stroke recovery patients, they are valuable due to their high content of omega 3 fats as well as ability to lower ‘bad’ cholesterol. Eating sesame seeds regularly also helps normalize blood pressure.