Fruits for Stroke Recovery

Firstly my apologies for missing in action for some time. We were relocating and it was a terribly busy few weeks for us. Anyway, this is Part 3 on Stroke & Diet and sharing an essential part of a stroke survivor’s, fruits for stroke recovery.

Personally I feel that it is equally important to address the issue of Antioxidants in relation to a healthy diet be it for stroke survivors or ordinary folks. Sufficient quantity of fiber and antioxidants in our diet are the building blocks for good health.
Antioxidants are disease-fighting compounds that prevent and repair damage caused by oxidation from environment pollutants, chemical toxins, tobacco smoke, lifestyle abuse and poor diet choices. Unchecked oxidation can lead to cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s diseases and Parkinson’s diseases.

From the Book “The Antioxidant Miracle” by Lester Packer Ph.D., Lipoic Acid, Pycnogenol, Vitamins E and C will help you to prevent oxidation. One source for this antioxidant content can be found in fruits. A five to ten servings of fruits daily should supply you with sufficient antioxidants. One serving is about the size of your fist. Locally in South-East Asia we have the following fruits that are rich in antioxidants.

Fruits for stroke recovery

Guava.
Red-fleshed Guava contains high quantity of the antioxidant Lycopene, more than strawberries, spinach and broccoli. Lycopene may lower the risk of cancer such as prostate, ovarian, cervical, oral, pharyngeal, esophagus, stomach, colorectal, lung and pancreatic cancer. One pink-flesh Guava contains 37 calories and is a good source of fiber and Beta-Carotene another antioxidant. Helps to lower cholesterol as well as blood pressure too.

Fruits for stroke recovery

Lemon.
Lemons contain high levels of the antioxidant Flavonoid, Hesperetin and Eriodictyol which may lower heart disease by lowering cholesterol and preventing “bad” cholesterol oxidation. A medium size lemon contains 17 calories and is an excellent source of Vitamin C. Limonoids, Phytonutrients in lemons can fight colon cancer.

Fruits for stroke recoveryPapaya.
Papayas are the top source of Beta-Cryptoxantin, an antioxidant that may reduce the risk of lung cancer. Also rich in Vitamins A and C, fiber, Folate and Potassium. Papayas also contain Papan an enzyme that aids in protein digestion.

 

Fruits for stroke recovery

Mango.
Half a mango contains 68 calories but twice your daily requirement of Beta-Carotene and Vitamin C. The antioxidants neutralize free radicals and regulate cell division.

 

Fruits for stroke recoveryLychee.
Ten Lychees contain 63 calories and are rich in Vitamin C. Japanese researchers discovered that Lychees help protects against liver damage.

 

Pineapple.
Fresh Pineapples are the only known source of Bromelain, an enzyme that inhibits inflammation, a usual source of oxidation triggers leading to lung and breast cancer. It also hastens wound healing and prevents asthma flare-ups. It thins mucus too which makes it helpful for bronchitis and sinus problems. Finally, it prevents sluggish blood which is good for heart problems.


Pomelo.
Full of the antioxidant Naringenin and Eriodictyol which reduce the risk of heart diseases by lowering cholesterol and preventing “bad” cholesterol oxidation.

Strawberry.
Strawberries are loaded with brain-healthy antioxidants anthocyanins and quercetin. It also contains Ellagic Acid, another antioxidant that could reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Eight pieces of medium-size strawberries have 45 calories and provide more than 150 percent of the daily requirement of Vitamin C. They are also packed with fiber and manganese.

Watermelon.
One serving provides lots of Lycopene and Vitamins A and C. It also enhances male fertility, the amino acid Citruline (found mostly in the rind) may function as a natural alternative to Viagra.

Pear.
Pears are a leading source of the antioxidant Epicatechin, which helps combat free radicals linked to aging. They are also one of the best sources of cholesterol-lowering fiber which are found in the peel. A pear contains about 4 grams of this fiber and only 100 calories.

Act Now! Improve patient’s mobility with Falcon lightweight wheelchair

Keep this walking stick handy, and be safe.

Additional Reading on effective 14-day Soup Diet

RELATED POSTS ON STROKE

Stroke & Diet Part 1 ~ Stroke & Diet – Part 2

What is a Stroke? ~ Facts of Stroke & The Warning Signs. ~ Stroke Risk Factors. ~ Understanding Spasticity Eating & The Stroke Survivor ~
The Job No One Asks For Caregivers Month ~ Botox & Spasticity ~ The ABC’s of Caregiving Behavioural Changes ~ There is Hope ~ Improving Awareness ~ Fall Prevention for Stroke Survivors ~ Sleep Disorders.