Surprising Perks of Coffee for High Blood Pressure

If you're a coffee lover and constantly hear that coffee isn't good for you, here's some good news. Italian researchers report that individuals who drink 2 to 3 cups of coffee a day have lower blood pressure compared to those who consume less.

Coffee is one of the most sold (and most addictive) beverages worldwide. Between 2020 and 2021, coffee enthusiasts consumed about 10 million tons of coffee, despite researchers not always agreeing that it's particularly healthy. However, studies have previously shown that coffee consumption can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Arrigo Cicero, the lead author of a new study and a professor in the Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences at the University of Bologna, explains, "Caffeine is just one of many components in coffee, and certainly not the only one that plays an active role. Positive effects on human health have been noted even among those who consume decaffeinated coffee," Prof. Cicero elaborated and added, "We know caffeine can increase blood pressure, but it seems other bioactive components in coffee offset this impact, resulting in a positive effect on blood pressure levels."

To prove this point, the research team analyzed a sample of 720 men and 783 women, comparing their coffee consumption habits, blood pressure levels, and overall health status. The results were clear: "Peripheral blood pressure (pressure in the body and not the large blood vessels near the heart) was significantly lower in people who consumed 1 to 3 cups of coffee a day than in those who don't drink coffee," said Prof. Cicero. "For the first time, we were able to confirm these effects also in relation to central aortic pressure, close to the heart, where we see an almost identical phenomenon with similar values for regular coffee drinkers and non-drinkers alike."

It's a well-known fact that high blood pressure is a major risk factor for developing cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease, stroke, and heart attack. The new research suggests a new (and enjoyable) way to lower blood pressure and prevent cardiovascular diseases.