Here is another great reason to drink coffee, as if I need one. Coffee may protect against stroke. I am not making this up. According to a study done at UCLA by lead study author Dr. David Liebeskind, associate who is neurology director at the UCLA Stroke Center, “Coffee use in the adult population is associated with a reduced prevalence of stroke.”

This is great news for people like me who have a family history of strokes. Of course I don’t rely on coffee for stroke protection, but it is nice to know that something I love is helping to do something for me in the right direction.

According to the American Stroke Association strokes are the nation’s third largest cause of death. They also note that, “African Americans are at increased risk due to factors such as family history, high rates of diabetes and high rates of high blood pressure. The evidence of stroke is clear blacks have higher death rates from stroke and have almost twice the risk of first-ever stroke compared to whites.” A stroke can be caused, either a clot obstructing the flow of blood to the brain or by a blood vessel rupturing and preventing blood flow to the brain.

Signs of strokes can be:

-Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
-Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
-Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
-Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
-Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

Chances of survival or recovery diminish severely with every minute help is delayed.

Creating a healthy lifestyle with good foods like fruits and vegetables, lean means and low salt intake can help. High blood pressure is a major factor so check in with your doctor.

And now, great coffee can be a major part of your plan for good health and prevention, in moderation of course with your doctor’s approval.

Check out these websites for more information:

UCLA Stroke Study:
http://newsroom.ucla.edu/portal/ucla/coffee-may-protect-against-stroke-81879.aspx

American Stroke Association:
http://www.strokeassociation.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1200037

American Heart Association
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1200000