Those who drink a moderate amount of coffee — three to five cups a day — are less likely to have early signs of heart disease, says study
A recent study by Korean researchers has reopened the debate whether coffee is good for heart, and more importantly, does it prevent coronary diseases?
A lot of confusion prevails on the effects of coffee on health of heart. While some studies have linked the consumption of coffee to a good heart, others have linked too much addiction to the beverage to raised cholesterol or blood pressure levels.
Either way, arriving at a conclusion is a difficult task.
For conducting the study, more than 25,000 male and female employees were selected, who went through a routine medical check-up at their offices. The finding revealed that employees who drank a moderate amount of coffee — three to five cups a day — were less likely to have early signs of heart disease.
Specifically, the researchers looked for tiny deposits of calcium in the walls of coronary arteries to provide an early clue about heart disease. Though none of the employees included in the study had outward signs of heart disease, more than one in 10 of them were found to have visible calcium deposits.
The study showed that people who drank a few cups of coffee a day were less likely to have calcium deposits in their arteries than those who drank more than this or no coffee at all.
However, the finding is not conclusive, and more research is needed on this. Factors like diet and lifestyle should also be taken into account to arrive at a conclusion, according to cardiologists and health experts.
‘Caffeine fights depression’
Though it is a known fact that coffee contains the stimulant caffeine, as well as numerous other compounds, it is still not clear if these might cause good or harm to the body.
However, numerous studies have also shown that coffee has health benefits. It is thought to increase alertness, performance and mental ability by stimulating the central nervous system.
According to a study published in livescience, drinking coffee can help fight depression in women. It can also ward off diabetes and certain types of cancer.
When asked, Delhi-based cardiologist K K Agarwal said, “Black coffee is good for health and prevents heart disease and cancer.” He, however, cautioned that coffee should be taken without milk or sugar.
So, what are you thinking of? Head to the nearest coffee shop and enjoy that cuppa full of goodness.
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