The Viking Secret to Beating Stroke
By
Natalie Moore
Posted January 18, 2017
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
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
Research Reveals Loneliness is “Poisoning” Your Blood
We humans are social creatures. We thrive on connection, communication, and shared experiences—which help shape our identities and foster a sense of belonging. Yet, loneliness and social isolation are alarmingly common in an increasingly digital and fast-paced world. The World Health Organization (WHO) says about 25 percent of older people experience social isolation. But new...
Mailbag: Ease Invisible Pain and Fatigue NATURALLY
“Why isn’t there more research on fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome? It’s mainly a woman’s condition and too many health professionals tell us “It’s all in your head,” or words to that effect.” —Fatigued and Fuming Hi Fuming, Your frustration over the lack of research and dismissive attitudes when it comes to fibromyalgia and...
Junk Food DOUBLES Risk of Embarrassing Leaks
Ladies, if you need another reason to think twice before hitting the drive-thru, I have one for you. A new study found that a fast-food habit can contribute to a problem most women would rather not talk about—urinary incontinence. That’s right, those embarrassing “oops” moments when you laugh, cough, or exercise could be directly linked...
Common Fungus Beats the Flu at Its Own Game
Big Pharma pushes annual flu shots like your life depends on it. What’s more, they insist expensive antivirals are your only defense against influenza. But Mother Nature is hiding a more effective solution right under our noses—or rather, under forest floors and in grocery store produce sections. There’s growing evidence that the humble mushroom is...
Superfood Slashes Deadly Cancer Risk by 20%
You’ve likely heard about yogurt’s gut health benefits. But did you know this creamy treat may be doing more than aiding your digestion? Research shows it could protect you from a deadly form of cancer. A groundbreaking, long-term study revealed that eating yogurt could slash your risk for a specific type of colorectal cancer. This...
Brain-Boosting Bacteria Discovered in Surprising Spot
Researchers have uncovered a tremendous amount of information about the gut-brain connection in the last few years. For example, earlier this week, I explained how probiotics can naturally ease anxiety. But scientists’ latest discovery isn’t about what’s in your GUT. Instead, it’s about what’s in your MOUTH. And it might make you think twice about...
The Morning Sunlight Secret to Better Sleep
Believe it or not, a good night’s sleep starts the moment you open your eyes in the morning. I’ve seen countless patients struggle with insomnia, despite trying everything from meditation apps to melatonin supplements. Yet, many are surprised when I “prescribe” something incredibly simple: morning sunlight. Recent research reveals that exposure to natural sunlight within...
“Belly Fix” Eases Anxiety WITHOUT Drugs
If mainstream medicine excels at one thing, it’s having a drug (or ten) to treat anything that ails you. So, it’s no surprise that the moment you mention feeling anxious, your doctor hands you a prescription. Well, hold onto your wallet for now. Because a new study just uncovered something that’s giving Big Pharma some...
Mailbag: Feed Your Finicky Gut to Promote Healing
“I’m slightly underweight with digestive issues. What foods are the easiest to digest and help heal the gut? I try to eat mostly organic whole foods but sometimes nothing sounds good and I want something but don’t know what. Thank you for caring and helping people!” – Tummy Troubled It’s frustrating when your body needs...
Silent Thief Secretly Robs Diabetics of Nutrients
If you have blood sugar problems, you’re probably already keeping a close eye on your blood sugar. But another threat lurks in the shadows—what researchers call “hidden hunger,” a sneaky form of malnutrition. And a massive new study reveals it’s more common than anyone thought… An eye-opening analysis published in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health...