Middle-aged men, particularly those with hypertension, are less likely than their peers to experience a stroke if their diet is rich in potassium. Men with the highest mean potassium consumption, 4.3 g/day, had a relative risk of stroke of 0.62 compared with men with the lowest mean intake, 2.4 g/day. Intakes of cereal and magnesium, but not of calcium, were also inversely associated with risk of total stroke. Calcium and sodium intake did not influence stroke risk.

Circulation September 22, 1998;98:1198-1204.

COMMENT: Here is more support for increased vegetable intake. Unfortunately, it is clear the traditional based authors are under the delusion that grains are actually healthy for most people. Nothing could be further from the truth. Clearly, magnesium intake is vital to optimal health, it is necessary as a co-factor in well over 100 different enzyme systems. However, a vegetable source would be far preferable to a grain source to prevent the secondary hyperinsulinemia. which is a more potent influence on cardiovascular disease than magnesium deficiency.