The Culprits

Smoked and processed meats are loaded with stuff that has been linked to strokes. Unfortunately, we are talking about pepperoni, hot dogs, sausages and bologna, some of America’s favorite toppings on pizzas and sandwiches. These processed meats have sodium nitrates and nitrites in them, which have been found to damage blood vessels by hardening or narrowing them. This, in turn, could increase the risk of strokes and certain cancers. In fact, one research group concluded that no one should eat processed meats for any reason. These meats have been associated with raising diabetes risk by 50 percent, lowering lung function and subsequently, increasing the risk of COPD – a respiratory disease.

If you need a sausage fix, try these tips. First, stick with 100 percent organically farmed, grass-fed or free-range beef. It should be uncured without nitrates. Don’t buy it if it has MSG, high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, coloring or preservatives. You don’t need all that in your food.

Think you're safe sticking with the so-called "healthier" deli meats like turkey? Think again – the prepackaged stuff in the refrigerated section of the grocery store also contains preservatives and nitrates. Make your sandwich a real hero by sticking with freshly sliced meats from the deli.

Trans fats and partially hydrogenated oils are found in processed foods like crackers, chips, store-produced baked goods and fried foods. Trans fats are known to promote inflammation – the hallmark of most serious and chronic diseases. In a study of trans fat consumption, it was discovered that women who ate the greatest amount of this fat in their daily diet had a 30 percent higher incidence of ischemic strokes. These fats increase LDL, or bad cholesterol, and decreases HDLs, or the good kind of cholesterol, in your blood. Want to know what contains trans fats? Hold onto your seat – margarine, stick butter, potato chips, doughnuts, muffins, snack foods, frozen French fries and tater tots, other frozen foods like entrees, cake mixes, whipped toppings, microwave popcorn and many salad dressings.