How Coffee Can Lower the Chances of Heart Disease

Over 95 million cups a day of coffee is being consumed in the UK. It is a drink that many of us consume during our working hours and gives us an extra energy boost. Coffee also has major health benefits. From reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and improving short-term memory loss, to lowering the chances of heart disease.

Many studies are being conducted worldwide to prove that drinking coffee is linked to a lower risk of heart failure, stroke and coronary heart disease. Every extra cup of coffee consumed per day reduces each of these conditions by up to 8%.

Drinking at least one cup of coffee a day therefore could reduce the risk of a heart attack. It does this by blocking the effects of adenosine, a chemical that can increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms.  The risk of this disease, also known as atrial fibrillation can fall by 6% in regular coffee drinkers. So what else does coffee do to reduce the risk? It helps prevent your arteries from getting clogged which can cause heart attacks and reduces your cholesterol level when you consume regular cups of coffee.

What is Heart Disease?

Heart disease is the condition where the hardening of the arteries restricts the supply of blood in the heart and can cause a clot to develop, which can trigger a heart attack.

The buildup of calcium deposits in the coronary arteries are one of the first signs of heart disease. People who drink between three to five cups of coffee a day are 19% less likely to have calcium deposits than people who do not drink it.

The Antioxidants in Coffee

If you prefer your coffee black, then you are in with an even stronger chance of reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems. Black coffee comprises of stronger anti-oxidants that helps fight heart disease and reduce cholesterol levels. It also offers a healthy way of losing weight. The drink benefits are down to the antioxidants found which remove free radicals from the body.

As long as you lead a healthy lifestyle, coffee will have a positive impact on your health. Having a cigarette with your coffee can, for example completely cancel out any benefits of coffee drinking.

Coffee contains polyphenols, magnesium and chromium which are minerals and antioxidant molecules that help prevent inflammatory illnesses, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The blending of these molecules improves insulin sensitivity. It is the plant compounds in coffee, therefore, rather than the caffeine that is responsible for the life-extending effect.

The Essential Nutrients in Coffee

Many of the nutrients in coffee beans make their way into the finished brewed coffee including:

• Riboflavin (vitamin B2): 11% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI).
• Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5): 6% of the RDI.
• Manganese and potassium: 3% of the RDI.
• Magnesium and niacin (vitamin B3): 2% of the RDI.

Coffee is a highly popular beverage that boasts a number of impressive health benefits to help you live longer, feel more energised and reduce the risks of any major health conditions. If you enjoy the taste of coffee then don’t hesitate to pour yourself a cup throughout the day.