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Why Coffee May Benefit Your Heart (Cardiovascular Effects Explained)

coffee's good for your heart

There’s good news for coffee lovers! Along with many other potential health benefits of coffee (including protection from Alzheimer’s, some types of cancer, and depression), there’s new evidence that drinking coffee is good for your heart.

But it doesn’t apply to every kind of coffee, and it depends on how you drink your cups of joe. Keep reading to find out what exactly the science shows!

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The studies showing how coffee reduces risks of heart failure

Although many people think coffee could be hard on your heart — palpitations and jitters are associated with drinking too much caffeine — new evidence suggests that’s just not true.

coffee beans heart
Image Credit: Jessica Lewis, Unsplash

According to a new scientific analysis of three major heart studies, coffee can help you fend off heart disease! Participants in two of the studies (Framingham and Cardiovascular Health) reduced their risk of heart failure by 5 to 12% for every cup of coffee they drank per day. In the third study, called the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study, the risk of heart failure dropped by 30% for participants who drank at least two cups of coffee every day.

What kinds of coffee don’t reduce the risks of heart failure?

Sadly, not all types of coffee offer this amazing health benefit. The results of the study show that only caffeinated coffee has this effect — suggesting that in this case, it’s the caffeine that helps your heart, not just the coffee. This is bad news for decaf coffee drinkers, though decaf coffee does offer other health benefits.

heart latte
Image Credit: freddie marriage, Unsplash

This heart-healthy effect may also not work if you drink your coffee with cream or sugar. The findings mostly apply to black coffee — so maybe now’s the time to make the switch! Doctors also caution that there’s not enough evidence to show causation. For now, drinking extra coffee does not count as heart medicine — and you’re probably better off focusing on diet, exercise, and not smoking if you’re worried about your heart. Check with your doctor if you have any questions on that front!

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So, how much coffee will reduce your risks of heart failure?

There is new evidence that drinking at least two cups of coffee (the caffeinated kind, not decaf) a day can keep the heart doctor away! Coffee continues to hold its place as a part of a healthy lifestyle, along with exercise and a good diet. We didn’t need another reason to enjoy our morning coffee, but in case you do, this could be it! Next time you brew a cup, you can toast to your heart health.

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Featured Image Credit: Dani, Unsplash

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Kate MacDonnell

Kate is a lifelong coffee enthusiast and homebrewer who enjoys writing for coffee websites and sampling every kind of coffee known to man. She’s tried unusual coffees from all over the world and owns an unhealthy amount of coffee gear.

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