“When you overconsume liquid sugar or sugary drinks, it’s harder to feel full, so it’s much easier to overconsume.” Fortunately, there’s a way to lower the stroke risk – drinking more water. Consuming over seven cups of water daily was linked to a reduced chance of stroke caused by a clot. “Not all fruit drinks are the same – freshly squeezed juices are likely to be beneficial, but those made from concentrates with added sugars and preservatives may be harmful,” said Dr Andrew Smyth, professor of clinical epidemiology at the University of Galway and consultant physician at Galway University Hospitals.