Recent research published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism indicates that consuming two to three cups of coffee or up to three cups of tea daily may significantly reduce the risk of developing coronary heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and stroke. This study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that moderate caffeine intake can be beneficial for heart health.
Study Details About Coffee
Researchers from Soochow University in China and their Swedish counterparts analyzed the beverage habits of 188,000 participants aged 37 to 73 from the U.K. Biobank. They focused on individuals who reported their caffeine intake over a 24-hour period and who had no prior history of cardiometabolic disease when the study began. Participants were followed for approximately 12 years.
The study found that individuals consuming 200 to 300 milligrams of caffeine daily experienced a lower risk of cardiometabolic disease compared to those who consumed less than 100 mg. Specifically, coffee drinkers exhibited a nearly 50% reduction in risk, while those who obtained their caffeine from tea or a combination of both had about a 40% lower risk. Notably, benefits tapered off for tea drinkers consuming more than three cups a day.
Caffeine Tolerance
Interestingly, even among the small percentage of participants who consumed over 400 mg of caffeine daily, there were no apparent negative effects on cardiometabolic health. For those who eventually developed cardiometabolic conditions, moderate coffee consumption continued to show protective effects against the development of additional diseases.
Moderate caffeine intake was associated with certain metabolites—substances produced during digestion—that are linked to improved heart health. Study co-lead author Chaofu Ke suggested that caffeine may help regulate these beneficial metabolites.
Expert Opinions
Dr. Luke Laffin from the Cleveland Clinic emphasized that while the findings provide valuable insights, they should be interpreted carefully. He noted that moderation is key and that this excessive drink consumption could raise blood pressure, particularly in individuals with hypertension. Similarly, Dr. Stephen Kopecky from the Mayo Clinic cautioned against oversimplifying the findings, emphasizing the complexity of caffeine’s effects and the importance of considering overall dietary habits.
One significant limitation is that the study only included regular coffee and tea drinkers, both of which contain various compounds beyond caffeine. The interplay of these components may also play a crucial role in health outcomes. Moreover, while researchers adjusted for factors like smoking and obesity, other lifestyle habits could influence risk levels.
For most individuals, a daily intake of two to three cups of coffee or tea can be part of a healthy lifestyle, provided that consumption is moderated and free from excessive added sugars or high-calorie ingredients. Awareness of what accompanies caffeine is essential to maximize its health benefits.
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