Coronary heart disease, heart failure, and strokes are among the top causes of cardiovascular disease-related death in the United States, according to the American Heart Association. But if you’re addicted to your morning cup of brew, then this news may be for you. Based on scientific evidence, drinking coffee regularly may actually benefit your heart health.
Reduces the risk of heart failure
According to the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation: Heart Failure, researchers found that in a meta-analysis of three major studies, increased coffee consumption was associated with decreased long-term risk of heart-failure. Although the study notes that further research is needed to determine whether controlled coffee intake could affect the future risk of developing heart failure, they found that participants in all three studies who consumed the most coffee had lower risks of heart failure later in life. In fact, in the Framingham and Cardiovascular Health studies, the risk of heart failure fell by 5%-12% per cup of coffee per day, compared to people who drank no coffee.
The analysis showed that these results were not the same with participants who consumed decaf coffee, leading researchers to believe that caffeine consumption may have a significant influence on heart health.
“The studies did not distinguish between coffee prepared by different methods (percolated, drip, French press or espresso), where the beans came from or how strong the coffee was. And while they attributed the reduction in heart failure risk to caffeine consumption, the researchers did not address whether these findings might apply to other caffeinated drinks, such as energy drinks, caffeinated teas, soda or other substances,” according to the American Heart Association News,
Can help fight heart disease
As a plant-based beverage, coffee is particularly rich in several powerful antioxidants. In fact, studies have shown that for many people, coffee is one of the largest sources of antioxidants in their diet. The hydrocinnamic acids and polyphenols in your morning cup of joe are effective at fighting free radicals and quelling systemic inflammation. Additionally, they can help improve blood vessel function, boost good cholesterol, increase nitric oxide availability to vessels, and lower bad cholesterol.
Reduces risk of vascular disease
Another meta-analysis of 53 studies evaluating long-term coffee consumption and cardiovascular disease found that participants who drank 3 to 5 cups of coffee per day had the lowest risk of cardiovascular disease. For those who consumed heavy amounts of coffee regularly, researchers found no increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
May elevate your blood pressure
Because of the caffeine levels in coffee, coffee can cause a temporary, but dramatic increase in your blood pressure, even if you don’t have high blood pressure. However, most scientists advise that if you have normal blood pressure and no predisposition for hypertension, this rise in blood pressure is of little concern. For those with pre-existing hypertension or high blood pressure, it is recommended to talk with your doctor about your caffeine and coffee consumption.
