COFFEE: GOOD OR BAD FOR HYPERTENSION?

According to the American College of Cardiology, a consumption of up to 300 milligrams of caffeine per day may not only be safe with respect to blood pressure. It may also protect against heart rhythm disorders. Learn more about the details.

THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND

Coffee is one of the most conflicting foods for our health.  
 
On one side, caffeine is a so called vasoconstrictor, i.e. it cuts down the size of blood vessels and accordingly, may increase blood pressure. By interacting with certain receptors in the brain. Vice versa, caffeine comprises antioxidants which can protect the blood vessels.         

WHAT SCIENCE TELLS US ABOUT
 

Based on this seemingly conflicting situation, research at

• University of Catania in Catania, Italy
• University of Navarra and Navarra’s Health FResearch Institute in Pamplona, Spain

           and

• Jagiellonian University Medical College in Krakow, Poland

concludes that drinking 7 cups of coffee per day decreases hypertension by 9%, adding 1% more decrease with any additional cup.
 
Along with additional protective effect of phenols in caffeine.
 
At least 3-4 cups of coffee per day may not be a problem for people with high blood pressure also according to research at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine in Oklahoma City, OK.
 
On the other hand, with respect to research at the Agricultural University of Athens and Attikon University Hospital, both in Athens, Greece, as well as the United Arab Emirates University in El Ain, United Arab Emirates, caffeine does increase blood pressure – however, still within healthy ranges.
 
This may be seen in line with research at Ohio State University in Columbus, OH, and Charite University Medical Center in Berlin, Germany, according to which infrequent coffee may not be dangerous.
 
Only regular consumption of 1-3 cups regular per day may slightly increase hypertension, according to research at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI.

IN A NUTSHELL

The scientific findings indicated above may seem conflicting and inconsistent at first glance, as far as coffee consumption is concerned with respect to blood pressure.  
 
Still, summing up according to the American College of Cardiology, a consumption of up to 300 milligrams of caffeine per day may not only be safe with respect to blood pressure. It may also protect against heart rhythm disorders.
 
If you are still doubtful about coffee consumption, depending on your body’s individual tolerance, you have at least the chance to replace caffeine with other gifts of nature such as, inter alia,

• rooibos tea
• roasted barley or grain drinks
• yerba mate
• dandelion root coffee
• chicory coffee         

  Especially in cases where coffee consumption may be related personally to, e.g., anxiety, insomnia, tremors or heartburn.  

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DISCLAIMER

All information stated in this blog are for your personal education, and not to replace the advice of your healthcare provider.