Is coffee bad for your heart health?
Is coffee bad for your heart health?
DEAR DOCTOR :
I’ve heard that coffee is good for your health — but I’ve also heard that it increases your blood pressure and heart rate. What’s true?
DEAR READER:
Right now, the evidence I’m aware of points to health benefits for most people from regularly drinking coffee. I’m talking about straight coffee — minus the cream and sugar.
Straight coffee is a nearly calorie-free beverage brimming with antioxidants. There’s evidence that drinking coffee might help prevent Type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. And studies show lower rates of gout and liver disease among regular coffee drinkers.
Caffeine, a plant-based substance that stimulates the brain and nervous system, is by far the most studied compound in coffee. (It’s what provides your morning jolt.) But coffee is a complex brew that contains hundreds, if not thousands, of components. Among these are vitamins, minerals, and potent, plant-based anti-inflammatory compounds known as polyphenols.
Most likely, it’s the combination of these substances, rather than caffeine alone, that account for coffee’s potential health benefits. Why do I say that? For one thing, decaf coffee appears to have the same ability as regular coffee to reduce blood sugar and decrease insulin resistance. On the flip side, people who get their caffeine from sodas and energy drinks do not see any cardiovascular benefits.
At the same time, you’re right to point out that there also are some potential health problems with coffee. In some people, caffeine causes daytime jitters and sleepless nights. And caffeine does trigger a short-term rise in blood pressure and heart rate. But a moderate amount of caffeine is still OK for most people with heart disease. The exception is people with heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias).
In order to reap the potential cardiovascular benefits from coffee, you need to drink at least three 8-ounce cups of regular brewed coffee daily. Decaf is a good alternative for anyone who needs to steer clear of caffeine. These include pregnant women and anyone with an arrhythmia.
Just avoid the fancy, super-sweet coffee shop confections that more closely resemble dessert than coffee. These coffee drinks contain a lot of added sugar and too many calories.
The best health option is to prepare your own coffee. Use a brew or drip method and a paper filter. Adding a small amount of sweetener and some low-fat milk is fine if you need to take a bite out of the bitterness.
I’ve given this assessment of coffee to enough of my patients that I know the statement can be misunderstood. So:
• Drinking coffee regularly is not so powerful that it will protect you from unhealthy lifestyle behaviors.
• You don’t need to drink coffee to remain healthy. As we often talk about in this column, there are plenty of other ways to protect your health than a regular cup of java. more
DEAR DOCTOR :
I’ve heard that coffee is good for your health — but I’ve also heard that it increases your blood pressure and heart rate. What’s true?
DEAR READER:
Right now, the evidence I’m aware of points to health benefits for most people from regularly drinking coffee. I’m talking about straight coffee — minus the cream and sugar.
Straight coffee is a nearly calorie-free beverage brimming with antioxidants. There’s evidence that drinking coffee might help prevent Type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. And studies show lower rates of gout and liver disease among regular coffee drinkers.
Caffeine, a plant-based substance that stimulates the brain and nervous system, is by far the most studied compound in coffee. (It’s what provides your morning jolt.) But coffee is a complex brew that contains hundreds, if not thousands, of components. Among these are vitamins, minerals, and potent, plant-based anti-inflammatory compounds known as polyphenols.
Most likely, it’s the combination of these substances, rather than caffeine alone, that account for coffee’s potential health benefits. Why do I say that? For one thing, decaf coffee appears to have the same ability as regular coffee to reduce blood sugar and decrease insulin resistance. On the flip side, people who get their caffeine from sodas and energy drinks do not see any cardiovascular benefits.
At the same time, you’re right to point out that there also are some potential health problems with coffee. In some people, caffeine causes daytime jitters and sleepless nights. And caffeine does trigger a short-term rise in blood pressure and heart rate. But a moderate amount of caffeine is still OK for most people with heart disease. The exception is people with heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias).
In order to reap the potential cardiovascular benefits from coffee, you need to drink at least three 8-ounce cups of regular brewed coffee daily. Decaf is a good alternative for anyone who needs to steer clear of caffeine. These include pregnant women and anyone with an arrhythmia.
Just avoid the fancy, super-sweet coffee shop confections that more closely resemble dessert than coffee. These coffee drinks contain a lot of added sugar and too many calories.
The best health option is to prepare your own coffee. Use a brew or drip method and a paper filter. Adding a small amount of sweetener and some low-fat milk is fine if you need to take a bite out of the bitterness.
I’ve given this assessment of coffee to enough of my patients that I know the statement can be misunderstood. So:
• Drinking coffee regularly is not so powerful that it will protect you from unhealthy lifestyle behaviors.
• You don’t need to drink coffee to remain healthy. As we often talk about in this column, there are plenty of other ways to protect your health than a regular cup of java. more
Viewed by 120
View all 6 comments Below 6 comments
No Sir..but had lots of professors and students at AIIMS with simple lifestyles compared to us... more
May 21
Neelam. There can be many reasons apart from Coffee. For Example Genes, Coconut oil cooking, Vegetarian Diet etc. Are you a Tamil Brahmin? more
May 21
