US scientists say the typical Western diet, which is rich in red meat, white flour and sugar, increases the risk of suffering strokes and other health problems.

The researchers surveyed more than 71,000 female nurses aged between 38 and 63 over a 14-year period and found those who ate the "worst" Western diet had a 60 percent higher risk of stroke than women who ate the healthiest diets, reported Friday's CRI online.

Besides heart disease, a diet high in animal fat, and low in fiber, fruits and vegetables raises the risk of diabetes, obesity and some cancers.

Stroke is the third-leading cause of death in the United States, killing nearly 170,000 people last year.

(CRI.com July 3, 2004)