Dietary Variety Good for Brain’s Blood Vessels

The brain preserves its functions over time in a number of ways. Brain cells turn out many homegrown neurotrophic factors in order to maintain integrity. Behavioral actions such as intellectual challenges and physical activity keep the brain humming, too.

The most significant means of keeping brain cells healthy is to assure they get enough blood supply. Unfortunately, interruption of blood flow to the brain – by blockage or hemorrhage – is common among Americans. In fact, stroke is the third leading cause of death, after heart disease and cancer. Each year, nearly 800,000 people suffer a stroke. While stroke risk dramatically increases after age 55, nearly 25 percent of strokes happen to those under age 65.

High blood pressure and smoking are two of the biggest risk factors. But researchers are finding that diet plays an important role in keeping the brain and its blood supply in good working order; it can even limit damage to brain cells if a stroke occurs. For more information, click here to read the full release.