Coffee, Soda, Fruit Drinks Linked to Higher Stroke Risk

A study led by the University of Galway, Ireland, has found that excessive consumption of soda, fruit drinks, and coffee significantly increases the risk of stroke. According to the research, led by Professor Andrew Smyth, drinking two or more sodas daily raises stroke risk by 22%, while two fruit drinks a day triples the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage, particularly in women. In contrast, tea consumption was found to reduce stroke risk, with black tea lowering it by 29% and green tea by 27%. However, adding milk to tea negated these benefits. The research, part of the INTERSTROKE project involving nearly 27,000 participants from 27 countries, also highlighted geographical differences in stroke risk. Soda-related stroke risks were highest in eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South America, while tea lowered stroke risks in China and South America but increased it in South Asia. Researchers recommend limiting coffee to less than four cups per day and reducing fizzy and sugary drink intake, adv ocating for water and milk-free tea as healthier alternatives. The findings were published in the Journal of Stroke and the International Journal of Stroke. Source: Oman News Agency