Coffee consumption and the effects it has on cardiovascular health have been widely investigated. These investigations show that the consumption of coffee either protects the heart, damages the arteries, or has no effect. New research is presented for consideration.
Some studies warn that consuming a lot of coffee can lead to the largest blood vessel in the body, the aorta, becoming stiffer and less flexible.
On the other hand, some studies have shown that drinking more than three cups of coffee a day can help prevent plaque from building up in the arteries.
A new study conducted at Queen of Mary University in the United Kingdom has found that drinking coffee does not result in arterial stiffness.
Lead author Prof. Steffen Petersen and his colleagues presented their findings to the British Cardiovascular Society. Their research was funded by the British Heart Foundation.
The research team analyzed the data of 8,412 participants. These participants were divided into three groups:
- Those who drink one cup or less of coffee each day.
- Those who drink one to three cups of coffee per day.
- Those who drink more than three cups of coffee per day.
The results excluded any participants that drink 25 or more cups of coffee per day or anyone that has cardiovascular disease at the baseline.
When comparing the results among all three groups, the researchers found no difference in the amount of arterial stiffness.
These results suggest that the consumption of coffee, great or small, does not negatively affect arterial or vascular function.
The results remained unchanged when researchers considered possible contributing factors such as sex, race, weight, height, hypertension, etc.
Future studies are needed to provide a safe consumption limit.
Researchers conducted this study to help individuals make informed decisions about their lifestyle and health.