For many people, it\u2019s the first thing we drink in the morning and often the \u201cgo to\u201d pick me up in the afternoons. We like it brewed, flavored, and served in a myriad of fancy ways any time of day or night. It\u2019s coffee. And, according to the latest research, this beverage may have some important heart health benefits.<\/p>\n
According to recent research by the American College of Cardiology, for the majority of coffee drinkers, coffee consumption does not seem to have negative effects, and may, in fact, have some overall health benefits. And, according to a study done by Harvard Public Health Nutrition Source, which studied 130,000 volunteers (men and women) in their 40\u2019s and 50\u2019s, they did not find any relationship between coffee consumption and increased risk of disease, including cancer and cardiovascular disease.<\/p>\n
For cardiovascular disease in particular, the American College of Cardiology suggests that coffee does not impact irregular heart beat (arrhythmia<\/a>) and may actually decrease the risk for heart disease and stroke.<\/p>\n Researchers found that coffee may also have a beneficial effect on type 2 diabetes <\/a>as it can aid in controlling blood sugar levels. These studies suggest that drinking up to six cups a day is an acceptable limit, provided the coffee is filtered and not brewed since filtering coffee through paper removes a compound that was shown to increase LDL cholesterol levels.<\/p>\n While more research needs to be done, there are some guidelines that doctors suggest if you are a coffee drinker:<\/p>\n For most healthy adults, moderate coffee consumption can be part of a healthy diet and lifestyle. For people who may have adverse side effects, switching to decaf is a great alternative in terms of deriving the benefits.<\/p>\n So, drink it first thing in the morning \u2026 for a mid-afternoon break \u2026 and try decaf to prevent jitters and sleep troubles. And, please keep it simple to avoid your favorite beverage from sabotaging a healthy diet and exercise regimen.<\/p>\n So go ahead \u2026 enjoy your coffee without worry.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n By Phillip A. Koren,\u00a0 MD,\u00a0 FACC, FSCAI<\/a>\n
\n![\"Phillip](\"http:\/\/blogs.cooperhealth.org\/ehealth\/files\/2017\/01\/Koren.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\nClinical and Interventional Cardiologist
\nMedical Director Cooper Heart Institute<\/a>
\nCooper University Health Care<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"