Excessive Consumption of Coffee and Fizzy Drinks Linked to Higher Stroke Risk
Recent research has uncovered a significant connection between the consumption of popular beverages such as coffee, soda, and fruit drinks, and an increased risk of stroke. According to a large-scale international study, people who drink more than four cups of coffee or regularly consume carbonated drinks face a notably higher likelihood of experiencing a stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).
The study, involving data from over 32 countries, highlights some concerning statistics. Drinking four or more cups of coffee daily has been linked to a 37% higher chance of stroke. However, moderate coffee consumption (less than four cups per day) does not appear to pose the same risk. Carbonated beverages, both sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened, increase the chances of a stroke by 22%. Furthermore, women, in particular, are at greater risk, especially with fruit juices and drinks, which raise the likelihood of ICH by 37%. The risk triples for those who drink two or more fruit beverages daily, a fact that may be attributed to the high levels of sugar and other additives often present in these drinks.
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While coffee’s caffeine content can increase blood pressure—a major risk factor for stroke—its polyphenols can be beneficial due to their anti-inflammatory properties. But it seems that once coffee consumption exceeds a certain threshold, the negative effects outweigh the positives. Tea, on the other hand, seems to offer protective benefits against stroke, particularly in certain regions like South America and China. Black and green teas, rich in antioxidants like catechins and epicatechins, help lower inflammation and oxidative stress in blood vessels, thereby reducing the risk of stroke. Interestingly, adding milk to tea may reduce these benefits, possibly due to its interference with antioxidant absorption.
The harmful impact of fizzy and fruit-based drinks is not a new revelation. The high sugar content in these beverages contributes to conditions like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, which are all risk factors for strokes. Even artificially sweetened drinks pose a danger, as they can negatively affect vascular health and increase inflammation, leading to heightened stroke risk.
In contrast, the study found that drinking water—especially more than seven cups per day—can lower stroke risk by 18%. Proper hydration reduces blood viscosity, making it easier for blood to flow freely through the body and reducing the likelihood of clots forming, which are a key cause of strokes. Dehydration, on the other hand, increases blood pressure, another major factor contributing to stroke.
These findings suggest that while many beverages we consume on a daily basis may seem harmless, their long-term effects can be dangerous. Moderation is key when it comes to drinks like coffee and soda, while incorporating healthier habits like drinking more water and tea may help reduce stroke risk in the long run.
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