Coffee consumption may reverse the detrimental effects of heart aging

For many, coffee is a necessary ingredient to start the day. Now, new research has revealed that regular coffee consumption may also be a key component to extending your longevity.

“Our findings suggest that coffee consumption of up to 3 cups per day is associated with favorable cardiovascular outcomes,” said Dr. Judit Simon of Semmelweis University. “While further studies are needed to explain the underlying mechanisms, the observed benefits might be partly explained by positive alterations in cardiac structure and function.”

The research, presented at the European Society of Cardiology, assessed coffee consumption among those that did not yet have significant heart problems. Dr. Simon says that her team’s research “is the largest study to systematically assess the cardiovascular effects of regular coffee consumption in a population without diagnosed heart disease.” 

Study participants either drank no coffee, 0.5 to three cups a day, or more than three cups daily. The scientists then looked at each individual’s age, weight, sex, respiratory health, blood pressure, and other factors to determine their likelihood of being diagnosed with heart disease. 

The results showed that those who consumed a moderate amount of coffee had a 17 percent lower risk of heart disease than those who drank no coffee at all. 

The researchers also used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to directly look at the heart health of over 30,000 participants. According to Dr. Simon, daily consumers had healthier sized and better functioning hearts. “This was consistent with reversing the detrimental effects of aging on the heart.”

“Our results suggest that regular coffee consumption is safe, as even high daily intake was not associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes and all-cause mortality after a follow-up of 10 to 15 years.” 

Other benefits of drinking coffee regularly may include lower risks of stroke, death from cardiovascular disease, and death from any cause. Although further research is needed to understand this phenomenon, it appears that you don’t need to feel guilty about pouring yourself a cup of joe in the morning. 

The research will be presented at ESC Congress 2021.

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By Alex Ruger, Earth.com Staff Writer