Drinking Coffee Daily Reduces Risk of Diseases: Study Findings
Coffee lovers, rejoice! A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism has found that consuming several cups of caffeinated coffee or tea a day may actually protect against Type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke. The research, conducted by a team of experts from Soochow University in China and Sweden, adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the benefits of daily coffee consumption for heart health.
The study, led by associate professor Chaofu Ke, analyzed the coffee and tea drinking habits of 188,000 individuals between the ages of 37 and 73 from the U.K. Biobank. These participants had completed questionnaires about their beverage intake over the past 24 hours and were followed up with after about 12 years. None of the participants had a history of cardiometabolic disease when the study began, defined as a diagnosis of at least two of the three conditions: Type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, or stroke.
The researchers found that consuming two to three cups of coffee or up to three cups of tea a day was associated with the lowest risk of cardiometabolic disease. People who consumed about 200 to 300 milligrams of caffeine daily had a significantly lower risk compared to those who drank less than 100 mg a day. Interestingly, coffee drinkers had the lowest risk, with a nearly 50% reduction, while individuals who obtained the recommended caffeine intake from tea or a combination of both beverages were about 40% less likely to develop cardiometabolic disease.
For tea drinkers, the benefits of reduced cardiometabolic risk were most pronounced among those who consumed up to three cups daily, with the benefits tapering off after that. Even for those who exceeded 400 mg of caffeine a day, the stimulant did not appear to have negative consequences for their cardiometabolic health. Additionally, among participants who did develop cardiometabolic disease, moderate coffee consumption was still associated with a lower risk of developing another cardiometabolic condition.
Dr. Luke Laffin, co-director of the Center for Blood Pressure Disorders at Cleveland Clinic, emphasized that the findings should be taken in context and that moderation is key. While the study suggests that a couple of cups of coffee a day may be protective, excessive caffeine intake can be harmful, especially for individuals with certain heart conditions.
It’s worth noting that some types of heart disease can make caffeine intake more dangerous, as it can raise blood pressure in individuals with hypertension. High caffeine intake has also been linked to a greater risk of dementia and stroke in some studies. On the other hand, caffeine has been associated with positive outcomes for kidney health, Type 2 diabetes, and heart failure in other research.
Dr. Stephen Kopecky, a preventative cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic, highlighted the importance of considering a person’s underlying health issues and the way they consume caffeine. While moderate caffeine intake may have health benefits, taking it in pill form or in energy drinks with added sugar and artificial sweeteners is not recommended.
The study only focused on regular coffee and tea drinkers, as these beverages contain various compounds in addition to caffeine that may contribute to their health effects. Kopecky emphasized the importance of considering the overall composition of these beverages rather than solely focusing on caffeine content.
While the researchers adjusted for factors like smoking, obesity, exercise, and diet, there are still many unknown variables that could influence an individual’s risk of cardiometabolic disease. Laffin advised that a daily cup of coffee is generally safe for most people, but consuming coffee drinks with added sugars and syrups can contribute to cardiometabolic issues.
In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the potential health benefits of moderate caffeine intake from coffee and tea. While the findings suggest that a couple of cups of coffee a day may be protective against cardiometabolic disease, it’s important to consider individual health factors and avoid excessive caffeine consumption. Understanding the role of caffeine in overall health and incorporating it into a balanced diet is key to maximizing its potential benefits.
