Last month, one of my blog posts featured recent research which has linked the consumption of coffee with a reduced risk of death in women. The improved survival seen here appeared to essentially be down to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (of which heart attacks and strokes are the most common forms).
This research is generally good news for female coffee-quaffers, I think, but recent research suggests that drinking coffee may bring benefits for men too. In a study published in the journal Stroke, researchers assessed the relationship between coffee drinking and stroke risk in more than 26,000 male Finnish smokers. Coffee consumption was assessed at the start of the study, and the men were followed-up over more than 13 years.
The researchers look at the relationship between coffee-drinking and the by far the most common type of stroke known as ‘cerebral infarction’ (caused by a blockage in a vessel supplying blood to the brain), as well as less common forms of stroke including cerebral haemorrhage (caused by leaking of blood into the brain from a damaged vessel). The researchers also accounted for the major known risk factors for cardiovascular disease and age.
The researchers found that:
Compared to men drinking less than 2 cups of coffee a day, men drinking 8 or more cups of coffee a day were at a 23 per cent reduced risk of cerebral infarction.
The researchers looked at the relationship between tea-drinking and stroke risk too. They found that:
Compared to men drinking no tea at all, those drinking 2 or more cups a day were at a 21 per cent reduced risk of cerebral infarction.
The researchers found no significant association between tea or coffee drinking and any other forms of stroke including cerebral haemorrhage.
So-called epidemiological studies of this nature cannot be used to conclude that coffee and/or tea can prevent stroke. And we do not know if the results would be the same in non-smokers. However, this evidence is consistent with a growing body of evidence which has shown a link between tea and/or coffee consumption and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. And both coffee and tea are noted to be rich in substances called ‘antioxidants’ which, in theory at least, could give them cardiovascular disease-protective potential. Overall, the news look good for coffee and tea drinkers of both sexes, I think.
References:
Larsson SC, et al. Stroke. Coffee and Tea Consumption and Risk of Stroke Subtypes in Male Smokers. 2008;39:1681-1687
I’m not surprised about 2+ cups of tea being beneficial, but 8+ cups of coffee?!
I wonder if the Finnish predominately drink instant or “proper” coffee. I’m sure I heard something about instant being compared to other processed foods, in that it loses a lot of it’s goodness.
Interesting and thought provoking post as always.
Faz
I must admit I am a (black) tea addict – even if they found an increased risk of stroke I doubt I would lower my intake (more than 10 cups/day). Sugar, wheat, PUFA etc – no difficulty giving up but tea – NEVER!
Does this evidence support decaffeinated coffee and tea as well.?
Maybe you would revisit the old chestnut on the specific value of caffeinated and decaffeinated beverages .
Richard
As usual your articles provide material for serious thought and action. 8 cups of coffee a day is beyond me – I have no problem with 4, and 2 tea one of which is iced is my usual.
Does iced tea have a different position that hot tea and how about in both tea and coffee black with no milk or sugar?
Keep up the information flow.
I just got my dad some green coffee bean extract supplements as he’s had a very mild stroke recently. I didn’t want him drinking tons of coffee because his blood pressure would go up, but these pills have only 2% caffeine. It’s not the caffeine that’s beneficial, but some other chemical whose name I forget now.
Even if this is so there are better ways tp prevent a stroke. Coffee in this quantity is not good.