Experts reveal coffee impact on the heart (and it's not what you think)

Sthere are many who start the day with a cup of coffee, whether expressed or mixed with other drinks. 

However, there are few who have already reflected on the impact that coffee may have on their health, especially heart. A new study published in Circulation answers this question, as highlighted in an EatingWell article. 

How does the heart react to caffeine?

You may think that regular coffee consumption can cause heart problems, however, according to the new review, drinking coffee throughout the day can bring more benefits than you think.

The study highlights that drinking a few cups of coffee a day can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, heart failure and stroke.

In a study published in JAMA, people with atrial fibrillation who drank at least one cup of coffee a day presented a 39% lower risk of recurrence of arrhythmia after treatment, compared to those who avoided caffeine. 

It was also found that drinking two to three cups of coffee a day was associated with an approximately 10% lower risk of coronary artery disease. 

Although this is good news for coffee lovers, the data does not remove ‘blame’ from caffeine energy drinks. These contribute to heart rhythm problems, including palpitations, due to abnormally high caffeine levels. 

Other benefits of coffee

In addition to cardiovascular health, a cup of coffee offers other benefits. This may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by up to 30%, highlights the website. 

The benefits of coffee may also originate in its content of polyphenols and micronutrients. There is a polyphenol called chlorogenic acid that can help cells create, decompose and store sugar to generate energy, helping glucose metabolism. Furthermore, magnesium and chromium present in coffee can also benefit insulin sensitivity and decrease blood glucose concentrations.