Is Your Coffee Habit Good for Your Heart?

Coffee
23 Jan

If you’re among the 66% of Americans who drink coffee, starting your day without it might seem unimaginable. For many, the morning ritual of brewing coffee is so ingrained that they rely on automatic coffee makers to ensure a fresh pot is ready as soon as they wake up. Given that daily rituals can significantly impact our health, understanding how your coffee habit affects your heart is essential. According to cardiologists, the effects depend largely on how you prepare and consume your coffee.

Is Coffee Good for Heart Health?

The impact of black coffee on heart health is a topic of mixed scientific findings. “Numerous studies have examined coffee, yielding varied results. While we know that coffee can raise blood pressure and increase arterial stiffness—both of which are detrimental to heart health—some research indicates that moderate coffee consumption may lower the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other heart-related issues,” explains Dr. Edo Paz, MD, MPH, a cardiologist and Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs at Hello Heart.

Given this conflicting data, Dr. Paz recommends moderation, suggesting a cap of one cup per day. Dr. Sam Setareh, MD, MS, FACC, Director of Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Performance at Beverly Hills Cardiovascular, echoes this sentiment. He notes that studies suggest consuming one to two cups of black coffee daily can enhance cardiovascular health by reducing the risk of heart failure and promoting vascular function, thanks to its antioxidant properties. However, excessive caffeine can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure, particularly in sensitive individuals.

The Worst Type of Coffee for Heart Health

While moderate consumption of black coffee can be beneficial, both doctors emphasize that preparation matters. They agree that coffee drinks laden with sugar are detrimental to heart health.

“Highly sweetened specialty drinks, such as caramel macchiatos or blended frappuccinos, often contain hundreds of calories, excessive sugar, and unhealthy fats, negating any potential heart-healthy benefits of coffee,” warns Dr. Setareh.

For instance, a grande Starbucks caramel macchiato has 33 grams of added sugar—more than the daily recommendation from the American Heart Association. It’s worth noting that ready-to-drink coffee products can also be high in sugar.

Regularly consuming sugar-sweetened coffee can have harmful health effects. “Added sugar offers little nutritional value and can contribute to various health issues. Excess sugar can damage blood vessels, promote plaque buildup in the arteries, and increase the risk of heart disease, along with related conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure,” Dr. Paz explains.

Dr. Setareh adds that the combination of sugar and caffeine can be particularly harmful. “This combination can trigger a stress response, elevating blood pressure and heart rate. Over time, these factors may contribute to inflammation, plaque formation, and a heightened risk of heart disease.”

How to Make Your Coffee Habit Heart-Healthy

If you prefer sweeter coffee drinks, Dr. Paz recommends preparing your coffee at home, allowing you to control the amount of sugar and other ingredients like creamer. Instead of sugar, consider using cinnamon, which is beneficial for heart health.

“If you enjoy coffee, opt for simpler preparations like black coffee or espresso, or add unsweetened plant-based milk,” advises Dr. Setareh.

Dr. Paz emphasizes the importance of moderation. Even with black coffee, excessive consumption can have negative health effects. “I enjoy a cup every morning to kickstart my day, but I switch to water and other low-sugar, non-caffeinated drinks for the remainder of the day. It’s all about balance,” he says.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can enjoy your morning coffee knowing you’re taking steps to support your heart health. And that’s a fantastic way to start your day!

 

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