A recent study from Semmelweis University found that drinking up to three cups of coffee a day might protect your heart and reduce the risk of stroke and fatal heart disease.
This research offers new insights into the potential long-term benefits of one of the world’s most popular beverages.
The study followed nearly half a million participants from the UK Biobank, a large health database, over 10 to 15 years. At the start of the study, none of the participants had signs of heart disease. Their average age was 56, and more than half were women.
The researchers divided them into three groups based on their daily coffee intake: non-drinkers (22%), light-to-moderate drinkers (0.5 to 3 cups a day, 58%), and high consumers (more than 3 cups a day, 20%).
The findings were promising, especially for light-to-moderate coffee drinkers. Compared to those who didn’t drink coffee, people in this group had a 12% lower risk of dying from any cause, a 17% lower risk of dying from heart disease, and a 21% lower risk of stroke.
Even those who consumed more than three cups a day did not show an increased risk of heart-related problems or death.
The researchers also looked deeper into how coffee might affect the heart. Using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—a highly accurate tool for assessing heart health—they studied a subset of over 30,000 participants.
They found that regular coffee drinkers had healthier-sized and better-functioning hearts compared to non-drinkers. These results suggest that coffee may help counteract the effects of aging on the heart.
Although the exact reasons behind these benefits remain unclear, the researchers believe that coffee may positively influence the heart’s structure and function.
Its compounds, such as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, could play a role in protecting cardiovascular health.
While coffee lovers might feel encouraged by these findings, it’s important to note that the study only observed associations, meaning it cannot prove that coffee directly improves heart health.
Still, for most people, drinking coffee in moderation appears to be a safe and possibly beneficial habit.
If you’re looking to protect your heart or reduce your stroke risk, controlling cholesterol and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are also crucial.
Other studies have shown that managing cholesterol levels and recognizing stroke warning signs early can make a big difference in preventing serious health issues.
This research highlights that moderate coffee consumption could be part of a heart-healthy routine, but more studies are needed to fully understand how coffee benefits the body. In the meantime, enjoying your daily cup—or two—may be a comforting way to support your health.
If you care about health, please read studies about the benefits of low-dose lithium supplements, and what we know about egg intake and heart disease.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about potatoes and high blood pressure, and results showing 6 best breads for people with heart disease.
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