Strokes are a serious medical condition that can affect individuals of any age. A stroke can cause severe damage to the brain and impact a person’s ability to function in daily life. Proper diet and nutrition can reduce the risk of a stroke.

Vitamins are essential nutrients that can provide a protective shield against strokes. Here are the top vitamins for shielding against strokes and their sources:.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is essential for the nervous system and the creation of red blood cells. A deficiency of this vitamin can increase the risk of a stroke. Sources of vitamin B12 include beef, liver, shellfish, fish, dairy products, and fortified cereals.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is important for the proper functioning of the nervous system and the creation of red blood cells. A deficiency of this vitamin can cause an increase in homocysteine levels, which can increase the risk of a stroke.

Sources of vitamin B6 include bananas, sweet potatoes, avocado, chicken, fish, and fortified cereals.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps the body to absorb calcium, which is important for the health of bones and the cardiovascular system. A deficiency of this vitamin can increase the risk of a stroke.

Sources of vitamin D include sunlight, fatty fish, egg yolks, cheese, and fortified milk or cereal.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can protect against free radical damage and reduce inflammation, which can reduce the risk of a stroke. Sources of vitamin E include nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, and leafy green vegetables.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is essential for the immune system and the growth and repair of tissues in the body. It is also a powerful antioxidant that can protect against free radical damage and reduce inflammation, which can reduce the risk of a stroke.

Sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, berries, kiwi, mango, papaya, broccoli, and red and green peppers.

Calcium

Calcium is essential for the health of bones and the cardiovascular system. A deficiency of calcium can increase the risk of a stroke. Sources of calcium include dairy products, leafy green vegetables, fortified cereals, and tofu.

Magnesium

Magnesium is important for the health of the nervous system and the cardiovascular system. A deficiency of magnesium can increase the risk of a stroke. Sources of magnesium include nuts, seeds, leafy green vegetables, and whole grains.

Folic Acid

Folic acid is essential for the creation of red blood cells and the proper functioning of the nervous system. A deficiency of folic acid can increase homocysteine levels, which can increase the risk of a stroke.

Sources of folic acid include leafy green vegetables, beans, fortified cereals, and peanuts.

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant that can protect against free radical damage and reduce inflammation, which can reduce the risk of a stroke. Sources of Coenzyme Q10 include fatty fish, organ meats, and whole grains.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are important for the health of the cardiovascular system and can reduce inflammation, which can reduce the risk of a stroke. Sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts.

Conclusion

Vitamins are essential nutrients that can provide a protective shield against strokes. A healthy and balanced diet that includes the above-mentioned vitamins and minerals can help to reduce the risk of a stroke.

Apart from vitamins having a healthy lifestyle including exercise and stress reduction techniques can help to reduce the risk of a stroke.