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Is Heart Health A Perk of Coffee?

  • January 21, 2017

Lab experiments with caffeine show that caffeine may block an inflammatory mechanism in your body that, when highly activated, can lead to higher blood pressure and stiff arteries in humans, CBS News reports. The findings offer new insights on how different consumable substances, such as black coffee, can work to influence inflammation and your heart health.

Coffee is one natural source of caffeine. Obviously, many of its health benefits are erased when it is filled with adulterants like sugar and artificial creamer. Tea is another natural source of caffeine.

The recent caffeine study adds to a growing body of information pointing toward chronic inflammation as a cause of numerous diseases, including heart problems. Omega-3 fatty acids, for example, have been shown not only to fight inflammation in your body, but to be essential for heart health. In fact, a recent analysis of 19 studies confirms that regular consumption of fish and other omega-3 rich foods, including certain plant-based sources, may lower your risk of a fatal heart attack (myocardial infarction) by about 10 percent.

This effect held true even after accounting for confounding factors like age, sex, ethnicity, diabetes and use of aspirin or cholesterol-lowering drugs. Omega-3 fats benefit your cardiovascular health in several ways. In addition to lowering your blood pressure and triglyceride concentrations and improving endothelial function (a major factor in promoting the growth of new blood vessels), research has demonstrated omega-3s are also antiarrhythmic, antithrombotic and antiatherosclerotic.

It's crucial to understand that not all omega-3 fats are created equal, and that omega-3s EPA and DHA from marine animal and plant sources are NOT interchangeable. While the best way to obtain omega-3s is through your diet, if you’re opting for a supplement, choose krill oil over regular fish oil.