For instance, most of the longest-living people on the planet across all but one of the Blue Zones aren’t strangers to caffeinating, either; and Finland, the reigning happiest country on Earth, just so happens to have the highest coffee consumption rates. And let’s definitely not forget about caffeine’s powers to facilitate satisfying poops aplenty.
To see if I could uncover more good news about java and caffeine at large, I reached out to Kaustubh Dabhadkar, MD, MPH, MBA, FACC, a preventive cardiologist based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Ahead, see how the stimulant fares for heart health and how to keep your intake within (deliciously) beneficial bounds.
Is caffeine beneficial for heart health?
Dr. Dabhadkar says that caffeine can absolutely have positive effects on heart health (woohoo!). Yet this will typically only apply so long as you stick to low or moderate consumption. Caffeine “can increase blood flow to the heart, reduce fat production, and reduce the adverse effects of sugar on the body,” he shares. “This may explain why people who consume two to three cups of coffee every day have better health outcomes compared to people who don’t drink coffee or drink too much coffee.”
Caffeine “can increase blood flow to the heart, reduce fat production, and reduce the adverse effects of sugar on the body. This may explain why people who consume two to three cups of coffee every day have better health outcomes compared to people who don’t drink coffee or drink too much coffee.” —Kaustubh Dabhadkar, MD, MPH, MBA, FACC, preventive cardiologist
Again, moderation is the name of the game, as there can be too much of a good thing as far as caffeine is concerned. “Caffeine has complex effects on the cardiovascular system,” Dr. Dabhadkar continues. “In high doses, it can contribute to heart rhythm disorders, increase blood pressure, and even affect the metabolism of heart medicines. Per the FDA, caffeine’s effects can shift from beneficial to risky if your daily intake exceeds 1.2 grams.
3 heart-healthy caffeinating tips
To ensure that your caffeine habits stand to benefit your heart and healthspan, Dr. Dabhadkar offers a few parting tips.
1. Be mindful of your daily caffeine intake
First and foremost, aim to keep your intake of caffeinated beverages below 1.2 grams each day. Consult this helpful caffeine chart to track your intake from various sources.
2. Modify your intake based on personal factors
Adjust your caffeine intake based on your body’s response to it. Individuals with cardiovascular conditions or family history of heart issues should be cautious with high caffeine intake.
3. Prioritize healthy forms of caffeine
Long-term consumption of ground and instant coffee is associated with reduced arrhythmia and cardiovascular disease. Choose your caffeine sources wisely for optimal heart health benefits.
In conclusion, moderate caffeine consumption can have significant benefits for your heart and longevity. Choose healthy sources like coffee and green tea to reap the rewards.
