Although eating an alkaline diet rich with fruits, vegetables and whole grains may prevent medical problems such as a stroke, a new study is suggesting that some individuals may be less prone to suffering the problem earlier in life.

According to findings from a study published in the journal, Neurology, new immigrants to North America may have a lower risk of suffering a stroke at an early age, compared to residents of the continent.

After studying 966,000 new immigrants and 3.2 million long-term residents, it was determined that there was a 1.7 rate of strokes per person per year for new immigrants, whereas there was an instance of 2.6 strokes per long-term resident, making the risk factor for immigrants approximately 30 percent lower.

Researchers believe it is the environment the individuals grew up in that may have something to do with the stroke instances.

“Recent immigrants to Canada and the U.S. face many stressors as they adapt to changes in their diet, jobs, housing and relationships which may adversely affect stroke risk,” said study author Dr. Gustavo Saposnik.