Do you struggle to function without your morning cup of coffee? Or maybe you find yourself rushing for a refill once you’re at the office so that you can work better. Whatever your situation, many of us struggle to comprehend a day without this popular hot beverage. But is it good for you?
Well, we have some good news for all you coffee drinkers out there. Not only can your steaming cup of joe give you more energy and burn fat, but it’s also been linked to significantly reducing your risk of developing more serious conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, and even cancer.
It also turns out that to have a healthy heart, all you need is love…and a good cup of coffee. According to a recent study, the habitual consumption of coffee, in moderation, can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. But there’s a catch – it only works if it’s caffeinated (sorry decaf drinkers).
In this article, we’ll be diving deeper into the relationship between your heart and a steaming cup of coffee.
Keep on reading to discover more.
An Instant Fix
One particular type of coffee stood out from the rest as being a protective shield against heart problems, and that’s instant coffee.
Instant coffee is made from a more concentrated dried coffee extract and accounts for over 13% of coffee consumption in the entire world. It’s cheap, quick and a lot easier to make than regular coffee, so its popularity may come as no surprise to many.
However, what might surprise you, is to find out that instant coffee may be supporting a healthier heart. According to the recent study we mentioned before, researchers found that regular instant coffee consumption was linked to lower blood pressure and healthy elasticity within the carotid artery (which indicates a healthy cardiovascular system).
Instant coffee also contains slightly less caffeine than its regular counterpart, while maintaining more or less the same levels of antioxidants.
Ladies, Listen Up
Although coffee consumption offers benefits to both men and women equally, there are some things that women and girls, in particular, should keep in mind when drinking it.
Recent data suggests that 1 in 4 women are dying in the U.S. as a result of heart disease. While there are several lifestyle changes you can implement into your life to ensure a healthier heart, it may be possible that your daily instant coffee intake can be a part of that journey.
It’s also worth noting that women should consider the amount of coffee that they consume each day. Research done by the National Institute of Health suggests that high caffeine consumption is linked to changes in the female hormone estrogen. While this hormonal fluctuation may not be a cause for concern for some women, it may be an issue for those who suffer from any hormonal issues such as endometriosis, breast cysts, polycystic ovary syndrome, etc.
Too Much of Anything Is Bad for You
But before you start reaching for your next refill, you may want to consider this.
While there is some research out there into the health benefits of drinking coffee, it’s important to note that many of the studies available are purely observational. There is no evidence suggesting that coffee is the direct cause for the reduced risk of heart disease (or any other disease), but rather that those who drink it are less likely to develop problems in the future.
There are, of course, risks that come with drinking too much coffee. These include anxiety, digestive issues, shakiness, and insomnia. That being said, coffee consumption, in moderation, is no cause for harm. The recommended daily dose is 3-5 cups of instant coffee a day (2-3 regular cups due to the increased caffeine levels). Anything more than that and you could be looking at some negative side effects.
While more research is needed on the topic, it’s no doubt that this low-calory beverage does have some impact on the health of your heart when taken in moderation. So, next time you have a cup of coffee you may want to consider some of the things we discussed in this article.
Have you seen any changes in your well-being as a result of your coffee intake? Do you prefer instant or regular coffee? We’d love to hear your opinion on the subject. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
