World Stroke Day: Prevent Stroke By Cutting These Foods

There is a slew of lifestyle factors that can raise your stroke risk. A stroke happens when blood circulation to a portion of the brain is disrupted or diminished, causing brain tissue damage. Here are five meals to avoid if you want to reduce your chances of having a stroke:

"Processed foods or junk foods typically contain a lot of trans fat, which generates bad cholesterol called LDL which deposits in the wall of arteries leading to blockage. It also leads to inflammation in the body that is a foundation of many diseases like stroke and heart attacks," says Dr. Praveen Gupta, Principal Director & Head, Department of Neurology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram.

Certain preservatives in smoked and processed meats, such as sodium nitrite, might damage blood vessels, increasing the risk of stroke. Table salt and processed salt found in packaged foods are both referred to as salt. Natural, unrefined salt, such as Himalayan salt, has no link to an increased risk of stroke and can be used to season food. Diet soft drink use has been linked to an increased risk of stroke and vascular disease in studies.