Seema Khaneja MD
Updated on: October 16, 2024 3:59 pm GMT
An interesting study has turned the debate over coffee and tea upside down. It reveals which beverage may raise your risk of stroke and which could lower it. Researchers from the University of Galway, in collaboration with McMaster University in Canada, found compelling evidence regarding these popular drinks.
Coffee Raises Stroke Risk
Drinking too much coffee could be harmful. The study shows that consuming more than four cups of coffee a day increases your chances of having a stroke by 37 percent. This increase in risk is attributed to caffeine, a substance in coffee that can raise blood pressure—a major factor in stroke occurrences.
Fizzy Drinks Are Dangerous
It’s not just coffee that poses a threat. Fizzy drinks, whether they are sugar-sweetened or artificially sweetened, double the risk of a stroke, especially when consumed in larger quantities. The study found that drinking two or more fizzy drinks each day sharply raises your risk. This connection is particularly strong in regions such as Eastern and Central Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South America.
How Juice Affects Your Health
Juice drinks may also contribute to health risks. Researchers discovered that many commercially available fruit juices contain added sugars and preservatives. These kinds of juices linked to a 37 percent increased risk of stroke due to bleeding, particularly for women. Drinking two juice drinks a day triples this risk, suggesting a significant concern regarding how fruit drinks are marketed.
Recommendation to Minimize Risks
Experts suggest minimizing the consumption of fizzy and fruit drinks. Professor Andrew Smyth, who led the research, emphasized that freshly squeezed fruit juices are generally healthier than concentrates laden with sugars. In his words, “Not all fruit drinks are created equal. We encourage people to avoid or minimize their consumption of fizzy and fruit drinks, and to consider switching to water instead.”
Tea as a Heart-Healthy Option
On the flip side, tea emerges as a healthier choice. Drinking three to four cups of black tea each day can lower stroke risk by 29 percent. Black teas include popular varieties such as breakfast and Earl Grey tea. Also beneficial is green tea, which is linked to a 27 percent reduced chance of stroke when consumed in similar amounts.
Water Is Best
Water also tops the list when it comes to stroke risk reduction. Drinking more than seven cups of water a day is associated with lower odds of stroke caused by a clot. This suggests that simple changes in daily beverage consumption can lead to healthier outcomes.
Nourishing Your Body
While beverages play a crucial role, your diet as a whole matters too. Professor Martin O’Donnell, another key figure in this research, noted that healthy eating and regular physical activity can further lower stroke risks. He highlighted that while high blood pressure is the leading factor, lifestyle choices are also essential.
Balance Is Key
The study advises against adding milk to your tea. Adding milk may block or lessen the beneficial effects of antioxidants present in tea. For those who enjoy a cup of tea daily, sticking to it plain could provide confirmed health benefits.
Final Thoughts
So, what takes the crown for the healthiest drink? Based on this research, water and tea emerge as the safer choices. On the other hand, coffee and sugary drinks raise important health concerns, particularly regarding stroke risks. By making small adjustments to what you drink daily, you can potentially lower your chances of experiencing a stroke. Opt for water, black tea, or green tea to nurture your health best.
To learn how to stay healthy, you can check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). They have lots of helpful tips!
