A recent study out of the UK has suggested an inverse relationship between dietary fiber consumption and stroke. Specifically, consuming between 18 and 25 grams of fiber will reduce the first instance of stroke by seven percent.
Researchers from the University of Leeds compiled data from a series of stroke-related studies that were published between 1990 and 2012. The find that increased fiber consumption reduced risk for stroke is particularly helpful for individuals who already suffer from risk factors for stroke. Those who are overweight, smokers, or suffering from high blood pressure may want to consider getting more dietary fiber into their diets.
The research news website Futurity suggests that in order to reap the benefits, you should be eating about seven more grams of fiber per day. They arrived at this number because the average amount of dietary fiber consumption in the UK (where the study was published) is about 14g, and the recommended is 18-25g. It goes without saying that how much more fiber you should be consuming is dependent on the individual. For example, if your average dietary fiber intake is only 3g, seven more puts you at 10g— far from where the research says you should be.
While the study is correlational and does not prove the linkage, the health benefits of fiber are well established in other disease processes such as colon cancer and Diabetes, and it seems plausible that there may be a relation here to stroke as well. Take a hard look at your nutrient sources, and seek out ways to boost your fiber intake.