Coffee Raises Stroke Risk, Tea May Protect: Study
A recent study has uncovered that drinking too much coffee, soda, or fruit juice can raise the risk of stroke, while tea may reduce it. Here’s what the research reveals.
The Dangers of Excessive Coffee and Soda Consumption
If you are someone who drinks several cups of coffee or soda every day, this study offers a cautionary message. According to new research, consuming four or more cups of coffee per day can increase the risk of stroke by 37%. Similarly, drinking two or more fizzy drinks (like soda), whether they are sugar-sweetened or artificially sweetened, raises the stroke risk by 22%. The risk is even higher in certain regions like Eastern/Central Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South America.
Fruit Juices May Not Be as Healthy as They Seem
While fruit juice is often seen as a healthy choice, this study warns that many packaged fruit juices contain added sugars and preservatives, which can increase stroke risk. Women showed a higher likelihood of experiencing strokes caused by brain bleeding (intracranial hemorrhage) from consuming these drinks. The research found that drinking more than two servings of fruit juice daily triples the risk of stroke in some cases.
Tea as a stroke-preventative
In contrast to coffee and sugary drinks, tea—especially black tea—may offer protective benefits against stroke. Drinking 3-4 cups of black tea per day, such as Breakfast or Earl Grey varieties, was linked with a 29% reduction in stroke risk. Green tea also showed benefits, lowering stroke risk by 27% when consumed in the same amounts.
Water and Stroke Prevention
Interestingly, the study also found that drinking plenty of water—more than seven cups a day—was associated with a lower risk of stroke caused by blood clots. Staying well-hydrated appears to be a simple yet effective way to protect against strokes.
Important Considerations: Tea and Milk
One surprising detail from the study is that adding milk to tea may reduce its protective effects. The antioxidants in tea, which are believed to help lower stroke risk, seem to lose their potency when milk is added
Conclusion
This research highlights the importance of being mindful of your daily beverage choices. While coffee and sugary drinks may increase stroke risk, drinking tea and staying hydrated could help reduce it. However, as with all health matters, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional to understand how these findings apply to you.
Source: Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
Priya Bairagi
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
