3 Cups of Coffee a Day May Lower Risk of Developing Heart Conditions: What Science Says!

Do you like coffee?

Do you also drink three cups of coffee a day? 

If so, here is some good news for you. 

Did you know? 

The latest research reveals that drinking three cups of coffee daily lowers the risk of developing heart and metabolic disease. 

One of them is that Drinking coffee or tea daily protects against type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease (CAD), and stroke. 

Coffee contains substances that may protect against conditions more common in women, including Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease. Besides, it contains antioxidants that may reduce internal inflammation, as revealed by experts. 

Coffee is everybody’s favorite beverage for kick-starting the day. However, its benefits are much more than keeping you awake. 

In this blog, we will dive into the studies, examine the science, and answer some frequently asked questions about the role of coffee in heart health. 

What does the study reveal behind the claim?

Experts wanted to understand how coffee consumption affects heart health. The researchers followed a group of individuals over a period of time to see how coffee can develop heart-related issues.

To their utter astonishment, those who consumed three cups of coffee a day had a lower risk of developing cardiovascular conditions than those who did not drink coffee or consumed more than three cups.

The experts specifically revealed that moderate coffee consumption, which is drinking about three cups of coffee a day, was linked with a 10% to 15% reduced risk of heart disease. 

Also read: https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/lifestyle/black-coffee-benefits-its-side-effects-and-more/

Why Coffee?

Coffee is more than just an energy-boosting drink. It can fine-tune your focus and has been linked to a long list of potential health benefits. Although coffee contains caffeine, it also contains several other bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, diterpenes, and antioxidants, giving you all the more reasons to get brewing. 

4 Key Components of Coffee Beneficial for Heart Health

In a 2017 meta-analysis, it was reported that caffeine consumption may have a slight effect on cardiovascular health. However, a 2018 study revealed that drinking 3-5 cups of coffee a day may lower the risk of heart disease by 15%. 

The components that make coffee good for your heart include: 

1. Caffeine is a major component of coffee. It has a stimulating effect that increases your brain and nervous system activity. 
2. Antioxidants: The antioxidants in coffee contribute to health benefits. These include reducing inflammation and safeguarding against diseases. 
3. Polyphenols are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and have been shown to positively affect the gut microbiome. Several studies have revealed a connection between polyphenol consumption and reduced risk of certain cancers, cognitive impairment, and type 2 diabetes. 
4. Chlorogenic acid (CGA): This compound in coffee regulates blood sugar and insulin levels, both of which have been associated with heart health.

Coffee Reduces the Heart Disease Risk: Let’s find out how. 

It has been said again and again that coffee consumption reduces the risk of heart conditions. Here is a breakdown of how drinking coffee may positively affect heart health. 

• It improves blood vessel health. 

Caffeinated coffee slightly raises blood pressure and improves blood vessel inner lining function. A study conducted on 27 healthy adults found that caffeinated coffee consumption significantly improved blood flow in a finger. 

• Lowers the incidence of atrial fibrillation

Irregular heart rhythm, or atrial fibrillation (AFib), is one of the most common heart conditions that leads to heart stroke. According to research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, drinking about 300 milligrams of caffeine is linked to a lower incidence of AFib and is thus safe. 

• Lowers inflammation and oxidative stress

The antioxidants in coffee help combat oxidative stress, a key driver of many heart diseases. Coffee neutralizes harmful free radicals that can damage cells. In turn, it reduces inflammation, which is important for heart health. 

• Increases Body’s Metabolic Rate and Fat Burning

Caffeine is a natural stimulant that boosts the body’s metabolic rate. A fast metabolism burns fat at a quicker rate, which prevents obesity, one of the risk factors for heart disease. Drinking coffee in moderation works towards improved metabolism without overtaxing the cardiovascular system. 

Also read: https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/heart/is-cardiac-arrest-different-from-heart-attack/

Spilling the Beans: How much coffee a day is excessive? 

Drinking four or more cups of coffee per day is excessive. It is linked to having side effects such as headaches, high blood pressure, jitteriness, and even trigger palpitations in some people. Besides, pure and highly concentrated caffeine products can cause death along with other serious health complications. 

To reap all the benefits, one must consume three cups of coffee daily. This could help maintain low blood pressure readings and significantly lower the risk of developing metabolic conditions and heart-related issues. 

4 Side Effects of Drinking Too Much Coffee

Consuming large amounts of coffee can cause insomnia, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Some other side effects that you can't afford to miss include: 

1. Increased Heart Rate: Tachycardia is a condition that occurs when you drink too much coffee. In this condition, the heart rate increases abnormally, which means 100 beats per minute. 
2. Hypertension: Overconsumption of coffee can raise your blood sugar levels. If you already suffer from hypertension, then drinking too much coffee could double the risk of dying from a heart attack. 
3. Sleep Disruptions: Coffee is beneficial for health, but excessive consumption can have a negative effect. Lack of sleep is linked with higher inflammation and stress on the cardiovascular system. 
4. Digestive Issues: Too much coffee can cause digestive discomfort. This could irritate your stomach and cause gastrointestinal distress, especially in sensitive individuals.

Conclusion

Coffee contains beneficial compounds such as caffeine, polyphenols, and antioxidants. Together, they promote cardiovascular health. Moderate coffee consumption is highly recommended as it has been shown to reduce the risk of heart conditions, such as arrhythmias and coronary artery disease (CAD). 

To reap all its benefits, incorporate coffee into a heart-healthy lifestyle, along with physical activity and a balanced diet. Consult with your doctor if you have doubts about how much coffee is good for your health to avoid negative effects like high blood pressure and heart palpitations. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Coffee and Heart Health

Q1: Can I drink decaffeinated coffee to obtain the same heart health benefits?

Yes. You can drink decaffeinated coffee, which has been linked to a small additional positive effect on your heart.

Q2: Is coffee good for all?

Drinking coffee in moderation is generally safe for everyone. However, people with specific heart ailments should seek medical assistance before drinking coffee to benefit from it. 

Q3: Can I replace coffee with tea?

Both beverages have benefits. Unlike tea, coffee contains more antioxidants and has been associated with reducing the risk of heart-related disease. 

Q4: Is coffee a good replacement for heart medication?

Absolutely not. You can incorporate coffee into your heart-healthy lifestyle, but it should always be kept from your prescribed medications or a balanced diet.