Consuming a vegetarian diet rich in nuts, vegetables, and soy could lower the risk of stroke compared to meat-eaters. New research published in the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, Neurology shows a vegetarian diet was beneficial and reduced the risk of ischemic stroke even after adjusting for known risk factors.
Study author Chin-Lon Lin, M.D. of Tzu Chi University in Hualien, Taiwan said, “Stroke is the second most common cause of death worldwide and a leading cause of disability. Stroke can also contribute to dementia. If we could reduce the number of strokes by people making changes to their diets, that would have a major impact on overall public health.”
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The study analyzed two groups of people from Buddhist communities in Taiwan who consumed mostly vegetarian diets and where smoking and drinking alcohol is discouraged. Approximately 30% of participants in both groups were vegetarians, and 25% of those were men.
At the beginning of the study, the average age of participants was 50 and none had any history of stroke. The first group had 5,050 participants were followed for an average of six years. The second group of 8,302 participants were followed for an average of nine years.
Over the six years of data from the first group, it was found that there were 54 stokes in total. For ischemic strokes, which are stokes when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked, there were three stokes among 1,424 vegetarians. This was compared to 28 strokes among 3,626 non-vegetarians. After adjusting for known risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes, researchers found that vegetarians in this group had a 74% lower risk of ischemic stroke than non-vegetarians.
In the second group of 8,302 participants, there were 121 strokes reported. For both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, also called bleeding strokes, 24 of them occurred in the 2,719 vegetarians. This is compared to 97 strokes among 5,583 non-vegetarians. After adjusting for risk factors, researchers found this group had a 48% lower risk of overall stroke than non-vegetarians, a 60% lower risk of ischemic stroke and a 65% lower risk of hemorrhagic stroke.
The Risk of Stroke
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“Overall, our study found that a vegetarian diet was beneficial and reduced the risk of ischemic stroke even after adjusting for known risk factors like blood pressure, blood glucose levels and fats in the blood,” said Lin. “This could mean that perhaps there is some other protective mechanism that may protecting those who eat a vegetarian diet from stroke.”
With the amount of research aimed at a vegetarian diet, there is no denying the health benefits it can offer. Many health care professionals recommend reducing meat intake and adding more fruits and vegetables to their daily diet.
Although this study had limitations, it helps to confirm how a plant-based diet can affect stroke later in life. One limitation of the study was that the participants did not drink or smoke, so results may not reflect the general population. Also, results from the study population in Taiwan may not be generalizable worldwide, so more research is needed to confirm these results.
About eight years ago, Mat Lecompte had an epiphany. He’d been ignoring his health and suddenly realized he needed to do something about it. Since then, through hard work, determination and plenty of education, he has transformed his life. He’s changed his body composition by learning the ins and outs of nutrition, exercise, and fitness and wants to share his knowledge with you. Starting as a journalist over 10 years ago, Mat has not only honed his belief system and approach with practical experience, but he has also worked closely with nutritionists, dieticians, athletes, and fitness professionals. He embraces natural healing methods and believes that diet, exercise and willpower are the foundation of a healthy, happy, and drug-free existence.
