Authors:  Z. Zhang, G. Xu, F. Yang, W. Zhu, X.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24920855

Neurology, June 2014

BACKGROUND: Stroke is a major cause of death and permanent disability worldwide.  Therefore, primary prevention of stroke is of utmost importance. Lifestyle factors have important roles in stroke prevention, and dietary protein intake has received great interest.
METHODS: The meta-analysis included seven prospective studies involving 254,489 participants. The authors conducted the literature search on PubMed and Embase through November 2013 using the key words “protein intake” combined with “stroke,” “cerebrovascular disease,” “cerebrovascular disorder” and “cerebrovascular accident.”

CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that moderate dietary protein intake may lower the risk of stroke.

What does this mean to you?  Consuming adequate levels of protein is one of the main nutritional principles of the Atkins Diet and Lifestyle approach. Protein provides satiety, keeps blood sugar levels consistent, preserves and builds muscle, and it helps the body burn more calories.  And as this study shows, protein intake may also lower your risk of stroke.