01/02/2026
Strokes are one of the major causes of death across the globe. Similar to heart attacks, many strokes happen when fatty plaques inside the arteries rupture, blocking blood supply to certain areas of the brain.
Hesperetin—a plant compound mainly present in citrus fruits—may support better blood circulation and help lower the risk of stroke.
Dietary fiber also plays an important role in stroke prevention. Fiber is found exclusively in whole plant foods. Processing reduces fiber content, and animal-based foods contain none at all.
Research suggests that increasing daily fiber intake by just 7 grams may be linked to about a 7% lower risk of stroke.
For more substantial protection, recommendations suggest aiming for around 25 grams per day of soluble fiber—found in foods like beans, oats, nuts, and berries—and about 47 grams per day of insoluble fiber, which is mainly present in whole grains.
Although these amounts may sound high, they are quite achievable with a whole-food, plant-based diet that emphasizes beans, whole grains, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables.