Study Suggests that a Coffee-Infused Heart is a Healthy Heart

Using data from a large, ongoing study, researchers have discovered what they think is a direct link between increased coffee consumption and better heart health.

That direct link is a strong one, too. Researchers, funded by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the University of Colorado School of Medicine, found that for every additional 8 oz. cup of coffee people drank, their risk of experiencing a heart failure, stroke, or coronary disease decreased by 8%, 7%, and 5%, respectively. [1]

The data comes from the Framingham Heart Study, the country’s longest-running epidemiological study, which began in 1948 and originally focused on 5,209 people living in Framingham, Massachusetts. Over time, younger generations of Framingham residents were added to the study. [2]

Researchers were able to sift through the mounds of data from 3 generations of participants using machine learning. They backed up their findings by “using traditional analysis in two studies with similar sets of data” that had previously noted an “association between drinking coffee and a decreased risk of heart failure and stroke,” the AHA said in a press release.

Study author Laura Stevens said:

“The challenge here is there are so many potential risk factors, and testing each one using traditional methods would be extremely time consuming, and possibly infeasible.”

READ: Is Coffee Good for You?

The findings, presented at AHA’s Scientific Sessions in 2017, don’t prove that increased coffee consumption reduces heart disease risk, but it points to a clear overlap. Plus, it’s not like coffee hasn’t been linked to a myriad of health benefits before. In fact, the healthy components of coffee are one of this coffee snob’s favorite subjects to write about.

Other Potential Benefits of Drinking Coffee

Moderate coffee consumption has been linked to a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, which is important because those with Type 2 diabetes have the same risk of heart attack and dying from heart disease as people who already have had heart attacks. [3]

Coffee has also been shown to block the kind of brain-based inflammation that has been implicated in a number of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s.

Harvard Medical School said in August 2017 that “coffee, which contains polyphenols and other anti-inflammatory compounds, may protect against inflammation.” What makes polyphenols so special? Look at the powerful effects of these compounds.

Polyphenols:

• Fight cancer cells and inhibit the growth of blood vessels that feed tumors;
• Protect the skin against ultraviolet radiation;
• Fight free radicals and reduce the appearance of aging;
• Promote brain health and protect against dementia;
• Support normal blood sugar levels;
• Promote normal blood pressure. [4]

So if you’re debating having another cup of coffee, fill up, kick back, and enjoy better health.

Sources:

[1] Philly Voice

[2] Inc.

[3] National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

[4] Mercola