Jackie Weighs In on stroke prevention.

According to a study just released last week by researchers in the Netherlands, American men and women have a higher incidence of stroke, compared to Europeans. The study states that women are twice as likely to have a stroke as European women, and American men have a 61% higher chance compared with European men.

To prevent blood clots that could lead to a “brain attack,” be sure to keep your blood thin with antioxidant-rich foods like dark chocolate, orange juice, tropical fruits, cranberries, onions, kale, green beans, celery and endive.

Also be sure to supply your body with foods that are rich in the vitamin B-6, like bananas, figs, prunes, avocado, walnuts, and whole grains while enjoying a healthy supply of omega-3 fatty acid-rich fish such as anchovies, sardines, trout, salmon and canned albacore tuna.

Don’t forget the important compound rutin, found in buckwheat, and quercetin, found in cranberries and kale and flaxseed oil and flavones found in thyme – all little foods that pack a big punch.

Further, avoid saturated fat found in red meat, fried foods, butter and high fat dairy products.

In addition to eating and avoiding certain foods to further prevent clots, be sure to stay away from natural and man-made diuretics, which can speed up the excretion of calcium, potassium, magnesium and zinc.