The Viking Secret to Beating Stroke

Dear Living Well Daily Reader,

A stroke is one of the most terrifying things you can go through.

And if you’re lucky enough to survive one, you could be stuck with months of costly rehabilitation, relearning how to do everyday tasks and even limited mobility.

Your best bet is to do everything you can to avoid having a stroke in the first place.

And now scientists say there’s an easy way to do it — and it’s all thanks to one of Europe’s oldest civilizations.

I’m talking about the vikings, and their secret to beating strokes lies in the traditional foods they ate.

These great warriors of the north depended on foods like fish, oatmeal, rye bread, root veggies, cabbages and fruits like pears and apples to fuel their bodies and stay healthy.

More recently, science has discovered that a Nordic-style diet including these foods can help increase your chances of dodging a life-altering stroke.

For the study, researchers followed the diets of more than 55,000 folks in the Danish Diet, Cancer and Health Study. At the end of the study, the scientist found that participants who followed a Nordic-style diet closely reduced their total risk for stroke by an impressive 14 percent.

That’s 14 percent less risk of losing your independence… or even your life… just by eating some of the tastiest natural foods around.

Scientists believe one reason this ancient diet could help save you from stroke is because it reduces your risk of atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries.

Additionally, other studies have linked the Nordic diet to weight loss, lower blood pressure and reduced triglyceride levels.

This means following a Nordic-style diet could reduce your chances of not only stroke, but also heart disease and metabolic syndrome — two of the nation’s leading diseases.

And the best part — it’s easy to eat like a viking.

Just incorporate foods like fish, berries, apples, pears, cabbages, kale, Brussels sprouts, celery and herbs like dill and chives into your diet and avoid foods you know vikings didn’t eat, like processed, sugary junk foods.

If you’re looking for meal ideas, check out The New Nordic Diet at www.amazon.com.

Following this easy template could help find your inner warrior and keep your health in tiptop shape.

Live well,

Natalie Moore
Managing editor, Living Well Daily

Ed. Note: Please send your feedback: feedback@livingwelldaily.com – and click here to like us on Facebook.


Sources

[1] Adherence to Nordic-Style Diet Linked to Lower Risk for Total Stroke

[2] The Nordic Diet: An Evidence-Based Review

Natalie Moore

Written By Natalie Moore

Natalie Moore is a dedicated health researcher with a passion for finding healthy, natural, and science-based solutions. After a decade of direct healthcare experience in western and natural medicine, she was involved in public health research before joining Living Well Daily.

View More Free Articles

"Invisible" Food Ingredients SABOTAGE Blood Sugar

"Invisible" Food Ingredients SABOTAGE Blood Sugar

If you’re trying to keep your blood sugar in check, you know the drill. Cut way back on sugar in your diet. While you’re at it, rein in your fat intake too, which can lead to insulin resistance. And don’t forget the extra calories—they add up fast and can sabotage your blood sugar control. But...

Read This

The Alarming Microplastic Secret Hidden in Your Chewing Gum

Today I want to honor and thank mothers and mother figures whose caring hearts have guided us through life’s journey. Your love has shaped generations. Happy Mother’s Day! That pack of gum in your pocket may be doing far more than just freshening your breath. A disturbing new study finds chewing gum is a surprising...

Read This

Plant Compound SLASHES A1c Levels in 12 Weeks

Diabetes is skyrocketing in the United States. And the trend shows no sign of slowing down. The projected number of adults with diabetes is expected to increase from 22.3 million (9.1 percent) in 2014 to 39.7 million (13.9 percent) in 2030, and further to 60.6 million (17.9 percent) by 2060. That’s a massive 165 percent...

Read This

Two-Week Diet Switch Transforms Your Health

You know how you feel sluggish and “off” after a vacation filled with fast foods and processed snacks? Well, it’s not all in your head (or merely guilt). When you switch to an unhealthy Western-style diet, there are physical consequences—and they kick in faster than you might think… The Western diet is characterized by ultra-processed...

Read This

WARNING—Your Water Bottle Is Hiding a Disgusting Secret

Recently, a few people have asked me if it’s true that their water bottle has more germs than a toilet seat. It’s a shocking comparison that’ll make you think twice about everyday objects you use without much thought. So, is this claim true? Well, I must warn you that you might not like the answer…...

Read This

Research Reveals 3-for-1 Brain Protection "Checklist"

Age-related brain diseases—including stroke, dementia, and depression—threaten our quality of life. They can take the shine right out of your Golden Years. But you don’t have to take these threats lying down. While there are no guarantees in life, there are steps you can take to turn the odds in your favor—especially when it comes...

Read This

Mailbag: Your “Healthy Diet” Might Leave You Running on Empty

“Do supplements really work?” Hopeful Skeptic Hi Hopeful, That’s a fantastic question! It gets straight to the heart of a vital fact about human biology. Our bodies are incredible machines. But they don’t work in a vacuum. They require outside help to function. For example, they can’t manufacture most vitamins and minerals on their own....

Read This

Forgotten 80s Superfood Reemerges as Artery Superstar

Do you remember when vitamin E was the talk of the town? This common nutrient had a surge of popularity in the 80s and 90s. But now I can’t remember the last time I had a patient ask me about it. Well, it turns out this forgotten 80s superfood deserves another moment in the spotlight....

Read This

Strokes CAN Strike Twice—This Simple Fix Cuts Your Risk 20%

They say lightning never strikes twice in the same place. But that old adage couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to strokes. If you’ve had a stroke, you might think you’re out of the woods once you recover. But the reality is far different… A comprehensive study published in JAMA revealed the...

Read This

Can Your Diet Defend Your Brain From Aging?

Our brains work hard every day, helping us solve problems, create memories, and connect with loved ones. But as we age, they face new challenges that can quietly chip away at our vitality. One of those challenges? The buildup of iron. Though iron is essential for many functions, too much can harm your brain, contributing...

Read This