Green tea and coffee consumption may reduce the risk of additional strokes

This study evaluated the consumption of green tea and coffee and their effect on the incidence of cardiovascular disease, including stroke, intracranial bleeding and coronary heart disease.

Green tea and coffee are both considered rich in anti-oxidants, chemical compounds that protect the body from various damaging processes. Consumption of some anti-oxidants is known to be associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Coffee is known to help in the reduction of blood sugar levels, an important factor in the development of cardiovascular disease. Green tea is known to aid in the reduction of blood cholesterol levels, also a crucial factor in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Green tea consumption has also been associated with various additional health benefits, including reduced formation of blood clots, reduced Alzheimer's risk, and prevention of cancer induced inflammation.

This study investigated green tea and coffee consumption among 83,269 Japanese adults. Participants were asked about their drinking habits and medical history in a detailed questioner, and were followed for an average of 13 years.

Overall, 3425 cases of stroke 910 cases of coronary heart disease were recorded. Compared to participants reporting seldom drinking green tea, the risk of stroke was reduced by 14% among participants reporting drinking 2 to 3 cups of green tea each day. The risk of stroke was found to be reduced by 20% among participants reporting drinking 4 or more cups of green tea per day. Increased green tea consumption was associated with a slight reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease, however this association was not found to be significant on statistical analysis.

Compared to participants who reported seldom drinking coffee, the risk of stroke was reduced by 11% among participants reporting drinking 3 to 6 cups of coffee per week. The risk of stroke was found to be reduced by 20% among participants reporting drinking one cup of coffee per day, and reduced by 19% among participants reporting drinking two or more cups of coffee per day. Increased coffee consumption was not associated with reduced risk of coronary heart disease.

This study concluded that increased green tea and coffee consumption is significantly associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, most significantly a reduction in the risk of strokes.

This study only included Japanese individuals, and relied on self-reported participant information.