Two types of meat could raise your risk of stroke by 14%, doctor warns

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Stroke is considered a major killer, claiming a new victim every five minutes in the UK alone.

This startling statistic is made even worse by the fact that poor dietary decisions can lay the groundwork to this medical emergency.

Worryingly, two British favourites could spell especially bad news for your risk and cardiovascular health.

According to Dr Shireen Kassam, a founder of Plant-Based Health Professionals UK, the “main foods” that could make you prone to a stroke are processed meat and red meat.

From salting to curing, processed meat is such that it has been altered in some way in order to preserve or flavour it.

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Processed meat includes classics like sausages, bacon and ham, while red meat describes beef and pork.

Don’t take just the doctor’s word for it, as research, published in the European Heart Journal, also highlights this risk.

Looking at more than 400,000 participants from nine countries, the study identified foods linked to risk of both ischaemic and haemorrhagic strokes.

What’s worse, just 50 grams of red and processed meat consumed a day was linked to a 14 percent higher risk of an ischaemic stroke.

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However, Dr Kassam noted that this is just one study and its results need to be confirmed before any conclusion can be drawn.

She said: “[Furthermore], when the results were adjusted for consumption of other foods like fruits and vegetables this risk disappeared, meaning that the consumption of red and processed meat reflected a lack of fruits and vegetables in the diet and a poor diet quality in general.”

Despite more research being needed in this area, red and processed meat is linked to a whole host of health problems, ranging from cancer to heart disease.

Dr Kassam said: “For these unhealthy foods and drinks there really is no safe limit with a dose effect, such that the more you consume the higher the risk.

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“If you are going to eat red and processed meat, keep it to a bare minimum and make sure you eat it with lots of fruits and vegetables.

“However, red and processed meat is best avoided and this recommendation is supported by major international guidelines.”

To keep your risk of a stroke to a minimum, the doctor recommended replacing these meats with healthy fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds.

“Eating more dietary fibre, especially, from fruits and vegetables can significantly reduce the risk of ischaemic stroke with additional benefits for prevention of heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes etc.,” the doctor added.

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