Fruit and vegetable consumption and risk of stroke.

Title
Fruit and vegetable consumption and risk of stroke: a meta-analysis of cohort studies.

Source
Neurology. 65(8):1193-7, 2005 Oct 25.

BACKGROUND:

Fruit and vegetable consumption is associated with lower rates of coronary heart disease. Results from observational studies suggest a similar association with stroke.

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the evidence from prospective observational studies on fruit and vegetable intake and risk of stroke.

METHODS:

A meta-analysis of prospective studies was conducted to examine the association between fruit and vegetable intake and stroke.

RESULTS:

Seven studies were eligible for the meta-analysis, including 90,513 men, 141,536 women, and 2,955 strokes. The risk of stroke was decreased by 11% for each additional portion per day of fruit, by 5% for fruit and vegetables, and by 3% for vegetables. The association between fruit or fruit and vegetables and stroke was linear, suggesting a dose-response relationship.

CONCLUSIONS:

This meta-analysis of cohort studies suggests that fruit and fruit and vegetable consumption decreases the risk of stroke.