SIPS TO STAVE OFF STROKES

Here’s another one for the ever-growing list of potential health benefits from moderate alcohol consumption: Women who enjoy a daily drink have a reduced risk of stroke. According to a massive Nurses’ Health Study, which tracked the health, diet and lifestyle of more than 83,OOO middle-aged women for 26 years, participants who drank about a half glass of wine per day were 17 percent less likely to have a stroke, compared to abstainers, while woman who drink a full glass per day reduced their risk by 21 percent. However, the risk of stroke did not continue to decrease as women drank more. The results of the study were published in the journal stroke in March. According to Dr. Monik Jimenez, a researcher at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston who led the study, “it’s important to put the study’s findings in perspective and remember that drinking alcohol has adverse effects as well. “Higher intake can lead to high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation which are both risk factors for stoke,” she commented. “Our findings really stress moderation for women who do drink.” But sipping a glass of wine isn’t the only way. A separate study published in stroke in February found that women can reduce their risk by eating more citrus fruits, which contain compounds that improve blood vessel function and reduce inflammation, and clear of certain foods. In a study of 87,OOO female participants between the ages of 5O and 79, researchers found that women who had diets high in trans fat were more likely to suffer from a stroke than those who cut back. A glass of wine, lots of citrus fruit and nix the trans fat – sounds like a tasty way to stay healthy!