A recent study conducted by McMaster University and the University of Galway has revealed a concerning link between certain beverages and an increased risk of stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage.
The findings, published in the Journal of Stroke and the International Journal of Stroke, have shed light on the potential dangers of consuming excessive amounts of coffee, carbonated drinks, and fruit juices.
The study, which analysed data from nearly 27,000 participants across 32 countries, found that drinking four cups of coffee per day can elevate the risk of stroke. However, the researchers noted that moderate consumption of coffee does not pose the same risk.
In contrast, tea consumption was found to offer protective benefits against stroke in regions such as South America and China, reducing the risk by up to 29% for black tea. Dr. Jayne Morgan, a cardiologist, noted, “Both green and black teas can lower stroke risk thanks to their abundant antioxidants.” However, this protective effect was not observed in South Asia.
The risks associated with these beverages varied across different regions and populations.
Carbonated drinks, including both sugar- and artificially sweetened sodas, were linked to a 22% increased likelihood of experiencing a first stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage.
This association was particularly strong in Africa, Eastern and Central Europe, the Middle East, and South America.
The study also revealed that fruit juice and fruit drinks can raise the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage by 37%, with women being at a higher risk compared to men. Consuming two such drinks a day was found to triple this risk.
They further discovered that drinking more than seven cups (56 oz.) of water per day could reduce the risk of stroke by 18%.
