Drinking coffee lowers stroke risk

(NBC) - There are several known factors that increase your risk for stroke, such as smoking, diabetes and high blood pressure. The list goes on and on, but there are also factors that can prevent a stroke. Everything from what you drink to where you live may play a role.

Studies presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference outline what will help or hurt your stroke prevention efforts, and that "Cup of Joe" may do more than kickstart your morning.

"This potential benefit of coffee is welcome news," said UCLA neurologist David S. Liebeskind.

A study by researchers at the University of California Los Angeles finds the more coffee you drink, the lower your risk for stroke, even if you have other habits that might increase your risk, such as smoking.

"Despite the very large sway of these other factors that have been known for many years, the role high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease in predicting stroke, coffee actually decreased the prevalence of stroke," said Liebeskind.

If you'd rather drink tea than coffee, you're also in luck. A separate UCLA study of nearly 200,000 people finds drinking green or black tea can significantly cut your risk for stroke.

"Drinking three cups of tea was associated with a 21-percent risk reduction in risk of stroke," said UCLA professor of medicine Lenore Arab.

Yet, drinking coffee and tea may not help if you live in a neighborhood with several fast food restaurants. A study out of the University of Michigan finds a 13-percent increased risk for stroke in neighborhoods with more than 33 fast food restaurants.

Researchers said they don't have reason to believe fast food restaurants cause stroke. This study demonstrates an association between the two, and more studies are needed. However, they do know a healthy diet and exercise can lower your risk, as well things you may do without giving much thought.

"Things that may not seem as mainstream, the amount of coffee we drink or tea, or whether we abstain from smoking or not, these have a huge effect," said Liebeskind.

So next time you stop at a drive-thru, consider ordering a coffee. The researchers emphasize they are not recommending people consume massive amounts of coffee or tea because there are risks associated with drinking too much, such as an increased heart rate.

They are also not sure how coffee and tea are protecting the brain. They said more studies are needed to look at the mechanism behind this benefit.

The fast-food study is based on data collected in one Texas county from 2000 through 2003. A spokesperson for the National Council of Chain Restaurants said that since then, many restaurants "have worked diligently to diversify menu options" and have added items such as salads, milk and apples to many of the typical fast food staples.

blog comments powered by Disqus