Mixed
Higher consumption of whole grain foods is associated with a significantly lower risk of ischemic stroke in women, independent of known cardiovascular disease risk factors.
To lower your risk of ischemic stroke, aim to increase your daily intake of whole grains. Focus on foods like dark bread, whole grain breakfast cereals, popcorn, cooked oatmeal, wheat germ, brown rice, and bran. You do not need to reach extreme levels; even increasing your intake by just one serving per day (replacing refined grains) can provide significant protective benefits. This advice applies specifically to women, as this study focused on female nurses, but the biological mechanisms (fiber, antioxidants, minerals) are likely relevant broadly.
In this cohort, higher intake of whole grain foods was associated with a lower risk of ischemic stroke among women, independent of known CVD risk factors.
Why this rating
Large prospective cohort study (Nurses' Health Study) with long follow-up (12 years) and rigorous adjustment for confounders, though observational design prevents causal proof.
Source
Whole Grain Consumption and Risk of Ischemic Stroke in Women
Simin Liu et al. · JAMA · 2000
DOI 10.1001/jama.284.12.1534
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