Tea and coffee consumption linked to lower stroke risk

A long-term study conducted by Yuan Zhang and colleagues at Tianjin Medical University suggests that moderate consumption of tea and coffee may be linked to a lower risk of stroke and dementia.

The research followed approximately 365,000 individuals aged 50 to 74 over a period of more than 10 years. Findings indicated that individuals consuming 2 to 3 cups of coffee per day experienced lower risks of stroke and dementia compared to non-drinkers. The benefits were even more pronounced when coffee and tea were combined; those drinking 2 to 3 cups of each daily saw a roughly 32% reduction in stroke risk and a 28% reduction in dementia risk compared to those who consumed neither.

However, researchers cautioned against excessive consumption. Professor Kevin McConway of The Open University noted that the protective benefits do not increase indefinitely with volume. The study observed that consuming 7 to 8 cups of coffee per day was associated with a higher stroke risk than both non-drinkers and those consuming moderate amounts.