The expert suggested: “Overall a diet rich in fish, lean meat, wholegrains, lentils, unrefined oils, nuts, legumes and plenty of dark leafy greens plus a variety of different coloured fruit and vegetables will ensure that your heart, brain and gut are in top notch condition.”
She added: “They contain vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, zinc, omega 3 and 6, B vitamins and beta carotene which are crucial for cardiovascular health.”
Harvard Medical School says: “High blood pressure is a huge factor, doubling or even quadrupling your stroke risk if it is not controlled. High blood pressure is the biggest contributor to the risk of stroke in both men and women.”
To achieve this, it says you may need to reduce the salt in your diet, “ideally to no more than 1,500 milligrams a day (about a half teaspoon)”.