Vigorous Exercise May Help Prevent Stroke

A new study reveals that if men want to decrease their stroke risk, they would benefit from a few intense workout sessions each week.

Recently published in the American Academy of Neurology’s journal, Neurology, the study followed 3,298 Manhattan residents over the course of nine years. The average age of the participants was 69.

The study’s author, Dr. Joshua Z. Willey, of Columbia University Medical Center, determined that men were 63 percent less likely to suffer from a stroke if they were able to get moderate to intense exercise on a regular basis.

Willey also believes that vigorous exercise decreases the risk of stroke more efficiently than lighter exercise, such as walking or playing golf. "Taking part in moderate-to-heavy intensity physical activity may be an important factor in preventing stroke," he said.

However, any exercise can benefit heart health, as can taking some supplements like vitamin E. According to the National Institutes of Health, several studies indicate that including vitamin E in one’s diet may help prevent heart disease and other complications.

There are many available vitamins and nutritional supplements that contain healthy levels of vitamin E.