Tea, coffee, and high blood pressure: What are the links?

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High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.

A variety of lifestyle factors, including diet and exercise, can affect blood pressure levels. In addition, some studies suggest that the way people consume coffee and tea may also impact their risk of developing high blood pressure.

The Study

A recent study published in The European Journal of Nutrition explored the link between coffee and tea consumption and the risk of high blood pressure.

The researchers examined data from over 63,000 Chinese people aged 45-74 living in Singapore from 1993 to 1998.

They collected information about coffee and tea drinking habits and other lifestyle factors and assessed high blood pressure during two follow-up interviews.

Results

The study found that people who drank three or more cups of coffee per day had a lower risk of high blood pressure compared to those who drank only one cup of coffee per day.

In contrast, daily drinkers of black or green tea had a slight increase in the risk of high blood pressure compared to those who drank tea less frequently.

The researchers also found a dose-response link between caffeine intake and high blood pressure risk.

Those who consumed the highest amount of caffeine (≥300 mg/day) had a 16% increase in risk compared to those who consumed the lowest amount (<50 mg/day).

The researchers suggest that drinking less than one cup of coffee per week or three or more cups per day may lower the risk of high blood pressure.

Caffeine may account for the increased risk in daily tea drinkers and those who consumed only one cup of coffee per day.

The researchers also hypothesize that at higher doses, other ingredients in coffee may reduce the effect of caffeine and confer benefits on blood pressure.

However, further research is needed to test this hypothesis.

Discussion

The link between coffee and tea consumption and high blood pressure has been a topic of controversy for years.

Some studies have suggested that caffeine may raise blood pressure, while others have suggested that coffee and tea consumption may lower blood pressure.

However, most of these studies have been conducted in Western populations, and the results may not be applicable to other populations.

This recent study conducted in Singapore suggests that the way people consume coffee and tea may have a significant impact on their risk of developing high blood pressure.

The researchers speculate that cultural and lifestyle differences may play a role in the different effects of coffee and tea consumption on blood pressure.

Caffeine is a natural chemical with stimulant effects that is found in a variety of products, including coffee, tea, cola, cocoa, guarana, and yerba mate.

Caffeine works by stimulating the central nervous system, heart, muscles, and centers that control blood pressure.

It increases activity in the brain and nervous system and also increases the circulation of chemicals such as cortisol and adrenaline in the body.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this recent study suggests that the way people consume coffee and tea may impact their risk of developing high blood pressure.

The study found that drinking less than one cup of coffee per week or three or more cups per day may lower the risk of high blood pressure, while daily consumption of black or green tea may increase the risk slightly.

The researchers suggest that further research is needed to better understand the link between caffeine and blood pressure and to explore the potential benefits of other ingredients in coffee on blood pressure.

Overall, this study highlights the importance of considering lifestyle factors, such as coffee and tea consumption, when assessing the risk of developing high blood pressure.

If you care about blood pressure, please read studies that 3 grams of omega-3s a day keep high blood pressure at bay, and this common plant nutrient could help reduce high blood pressure.

For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and results showing DASH diet is good for your blood pressure, and vegetable diet may reduce heart disease risk.

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