Scientists from the University of Western Australia, part of an international research team, found that drinking four or more cups of coffee a day increases the risk of stroke by 37%. A similar amount of tea, on the contrary, reduces its likelihood by 19%. The study results were published in the journal Stroke.
The study involved 26,950 adult volunteers from 32 countries, including people with a history of stroke. The average age of the participants was 61 years. Most of the subjects were overweight, which is a provocateur of stroke. Participants answered a series of questions about their medical history, diet, physical activity and bad habits. They also indicated how much tea and coffee they typically consumed.
The results showed that drinking four or more cups of coffee per day was associated with a 37% increased risk of stroke. The same amount of tea reduced the risk of this dangerous event by 19%. Scientists have clarified that black tea turned out to be the most effective in protecting against stroke. There was also no association between drinking three or fewer cups of coffee per day and stroke.
Researchers noted that drinking too much coffee can increase blood pressure and heart rate. Over the long term, these effects can damage blood vessels in the brain, increasing the risk of blood clots and stroke.
