Foods rich in folate, a form of vitamin B, help reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease. Eating two servings a day of foods like tomatoes, leafy green vegetables such as spinach and lettuce, pinto, navy or kidney beans, and grain products decreases levels of an amino acid that contributes to the process underlying heart disease and stroke.

Researchers at Tulane University found that people who consumed at least two servings of folate-rich foods per day had a 20 percent lower risk of stroke and a 13 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

Unfortunately only 32 percent of all Indians are getting enough folate every day.