Millions of people around the world drink coffee regularly.
Some prefer a morning cup to help wake up and increase alertness.
Others enjoy it throughout the day for its various health benefits.
Given that coronary heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, it is no surprise that coffee’s potential effects on heart health have become a subject of ongoing research.
A recent study published in Rheumatology examined the role of caffeine, found in coffee, tea, and cocoa, in improving blood vessel health.
This study was particularly interesting because it was conducted on people with lupus, an autoimmune disease linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular issues such as stroke and heart attacks.
But what does the research say about the overall impact of coffee on heart health?
Can drinking coffee help improve heart health, or does too much caffeine increase risks?
Research indicates that moderate coffee consumption may lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
A study published in September in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that regular coffee drinkers may have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke.
The study suggested that consuming 200 to 300 milligrams of caffeine per day, which is equivalent to about two to three cups of coffee, provides the most health benefits.
The researchers found that people who drank this moderate amount of caffeine had a significantly reduced risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases.
On average, this group had a nearly 40 percent lower risk compared to people who drank little or no caffeine.
Melanie Murphy Richter, a registered dietitian nutritionist, explained that caffeine helps enhance insulin sensitivity and boosts fat metabolism.
These effects can contribute to overall cardiovascular and metabolic health.
However, experts also caution against overestimating caffeine’s benefits.
Cheng-Han Chen, a board-certified cardiologist, highlighted that coffee and tea contain many other bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, which may play a role in metabolism, inflammation, and heart health.
While moderate coffee consumption appears to be beneficial, there are risks associated with drinking too much caffeine.
A study recently presented at the ACC Asia 2024 conference in India found that people who consume high amounts of caffeine regularly may face an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
This study, which looked at individuals who consumed at least 400 milligrams of caffeine a day, or about four cups of coffee, showed that they had increased heart rates and higher blood pressure over time.
The researchers observed these effects even in people who were otherwise healthy.
The study’s lead author, Nency Kagathara, cautioned that excessive caffeine intake can put individuals at risk for hypertension and other heart issues, especially as it affects the autonomic nervous system.
Thus, while caffeine has its benefits, excessive consumption can be harmful to heart health.
Another important factor is the risk of stroke.
A study published in the Journal of Stroke found that drinking excessive amounts of coffee and other sugary or carbonated drinks can increase the risk of stroke.
The study revealed that drinking more than four cups of coffee a day raised the likelihood of a stroke by 37 percent.
However, consuming fewer than four cups daily did not seem to carry the same risk.
This suggests that moderation is key when it comes to coffee consumption and its effects on stroke risk.
The risks associated with coffee and stroke also varied depending on factors such as geography and population group.
While too much coffee may increase the risk of certain cardiovascular events, moderate intake can provide protective benefits.
In conclusion, the research on coffee and heart health is complex.
Moderate caffeine intake, particularly from coffee, may offer benefits for reducing the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
However, excessive caffeine consumption can lead to increased blood pressure and heart rate, potentially raising the risk of heart disease and stroke.
As with many aspects of health, moderation is key when it comes to enjoying your daily cup of coffee.