A recent study has discovered that drinking more than four cups of coffee daily significantly raises the risk of stroke.
Published in the International Journal of Stroke, the research indicates that individuals who consume over four cups of coffee each day face a notably higher risk of stroke compared to those who drink less. Additionally, findings published in the Journal of Stroke reveal that soft drinks and fruit juices also contribute significantly to increased stroke risk.
This conclusion is drawn from an analysis of the INTERSTROKE project, which found that drinking more than four cups of coffee daily raises the overall stroke risk by 37% and the risk of stroke due to blood clots by 32%. In contrast, consuming less than that amount does not correlate with an increased stroke risk.
Both diet sodas containing artificial sweeteners and regular sugary sodas have been shown to elevate stroke risk by 22%. Notably, consuming more than two servings of these beverages daily significantly heightens that risk.
Furthermore, fruit juices have been linked to a 37% increase in the risk of hemorrhagic stroke, with consuming more than two servings a day tripling that risk.
Conversely, drinking more than seven cups of water a day is associated with a reduced risk of stroke caused by blood clots. Additionally, consuming four or more cups of tea daily can lower the risk of stroke by 18% to 20%, with the benefits varying based on the type of tea.
Drinking three to four cups of black tea, such as English Breakfast or Earl Grey, can reduce stroke risk by 29%, while three to four cups of green tea lowers the risk by 27%. However, adding milk to tea negates these health benefits.
While both studies are observational and do not definitively establish causation between coffee, tea, or sodas and stroke risk, experts emphasize that drinking water and tea is a healthier choice.
Andrew Smith, professor of Clinical Epidemiology at the University of Galway, pointed out that not all fruit beverages provide the same health benefits. While freshly squeezed fruit juice may offer positive effects, fruit drinks made from concentrate often contain high levels of sugar and preservatives, which can be harmful.
Smith also emphasized that his research indicates frequent consumption of soft drinks and coffee increases the risk of stroke. As a physician specializing in stroke prevention, he recommends avoiding or minimizing these beverages in favor of water.
Dr. Jose Morales, a neurologist in Santa Monica, California, noted that previous research supports the idea that water is more beneficial for health than other beverages.
Michelle Routhenstein, a nutrition counseling and consulting private practice specializing in the prevention and management of heart disease, underscored the importance of these findings, emphasizing that choosing water and tea as primary beverages can help reduce the risk of stroke.
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