New Delhi: Sodas and fizzy drinks have had a poor reputation for a long time; and in comparison, fruit juices have been relatively safer. However, according to a new study, these drinks could be associated with a heightened risk of suffering from a stroke. Turns out, drinking fizzy drinks or fruit juices in excess can raise the odds of suffering from a stroke and this was stated in global research studies led by experts from the University of Galway, in collaboration with McMaster University Canada, and an international group of stroke experts.
How do fruit juices increase stroke risk?
To make matters worse, the study also brought to question coffee – drinking more than four cups of it in a day can further contribute to the risk of the potentially fatal condition. Furthermore, it does not matter whether or not the fizzy drink in question is sweetened or artificially sweetened, such as diet beverages. Both versions are harmful and can spike stroke risk by 22%. This is intensified for those who consume the same twice or thrice a day. In this study, fruit juices, too, earned a poor reputation as they are technically sugar syrups with little or no nutritional value. They contribute to stroke risk by 37% and this is further tripled if one relies upon fruit juices twice a day. Women are more vulnerable to such effects than men.
To mitigate this, it is advised to increase intake of water – seven glasses in a day can cut the odds significantly.
Talking about this, Dr. Srinivas M, Consultant – Neurologist, SPARSH Hospital, Yeswanthpur, said, “Excessive coffee and soda intake, especially when consumed regularly throughout the day, can increase the risk of stroke by raising blood pressure and creating fluctuations in blood flow to the brain. Both caffeine and sugar in high amounts can overstimulate the nervous system, leading to stress and inflammation in blood vessels. On the other hand, moderate tea consumption, especially green tea, offers protective antioxidants that promote vascular health, lowering stroke risk. Choosing tea over other caffeinated drinks, particularly in the afternoon or evening, can support better heart-brain health and reduce the overall stroke risk.”
Dr Vikram Huded, HOD and Director and Clinical Lead of interventional Neurology at Narayana Group, too, commented on the same and said, “Regular intake of processed fruit juice and fizzy drinks increases the risk of stroke. While tea reduces the risk of stroke, consuming more than four cups of coffee each day also increases it. It is advised to limit or stay away from processed fruity and carbonated beverages and to think about drinking water instead. Regular intake of processed fruit juice and fizzy drinks isn’t healthy for the brain. Excessive amounts of sugar and coffee can both overstimulate the neurological system, causing blood vessel inflammation and stress.”
Dr Raghvendra Ramdasi, Consultant Neurosurgeon, at Jaslok Hospital, said, “Overindulging in coffee and soda, particularly when done frequently throughout the day, can spike blood pressure levels and cause variations in blood flow to the brain, which can increase the risk of stroke. Excessive amounts of sugar and coffee can both overstimulate the neurological system, causing blood vessel inflammation and stress. Conversely, moderate tea consumption—particularly of green tea—offers protective antioxidants that support vascular health and reduce the incidence of stroke. Selecting tea instead of other caffeinated beverages, especially in the afternoon or evening, can lower the risk of stroke overall and promote improved heart-brain health.”
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