Coffee isn’t only good for pulling all-nighters but also for heart health, two recent studies suggest.
People who drink coffee are about one-third less likely than non-drinkers to develop a stroke, according to a February study from the University of Cambridge in England.
Another study, presented in March by the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, Calif., found coffee drinkers have a lower risk of developing abnormal heart rhythms.
Doctors analyzed the health records of more than 20,000 European men and women between the ages of 39 and 79 with no history of stroke, heart disease or cancer in the stroke study.
During the 12-year study, 855 strokes were reported. After analyzing various factors, like smoking, exercise, weight and blood pressure, the researchers found coffee drinkers — regardless of caffeine consumption — were 27 percent less likely to have a stroke as non-drinkers.
There was no correlation with the amount of coffee consumed, according to the study.
But the amount mattered in the heart-rhythm study.
Researchers monitored the rate at which 130,054 members of the Kaiser Program were hospitalized for heart rhythm disturbances.
The risk was 18 percent lower for those who reported drinking four or more cups of coffee a day, compared to those who didn’t drink coffee.
Even those who only drank one to three cups per day were still 7 percent less likely to have irregular heartbeats.
“It might be a surprise because coffee does give some people the jitters,” Arthur Klatsky, senior consultant in cardiology and lead study author said in the study. “And I don’t think we’re ready to tell people they should drink coffee to prevent heart- rhythm problems.”
Liz Guidry, biology junior, said she drinks two cups of coffee per day and sometimes drinks as many as five during exam time.
“I always figured it was going to kill me because I was drinking too much of it,” Guidry said. “So this is kind of a relief.”
Heli Roy, nutrition professor, said the antioxidants in coffee are likely responsible for its positive effect on heart health.
Antioxidants prevent lipids from being oxidized, which would otherwise block arteries and lead to strokes, Roy said. They also remove free radicals and help prevent the body’s natural “rusting” process.
Roy said the caffeine in coffee is also beneficial.
“Caffeine was one of the early ergogenic aids for athletes,” Roy said. “It mobilizes fat and sugar storage in the body.”
Roy said caffeine is used as an extra boost for athletic events, particularly marathon runners who rely on fat as a primary energy supply.But too much caffeine can be harmful, Roy said.
“Caffeine has a U-shaped curve,” Roy said. “It’s good in small doses and harmful in high doses.”
Too much caffeine can be toxic and addictive, causing people to feel withdrawal symptoms, Roy said.
Roy said two to four cups of regular coffee is the optimal dose.
Previous studies show coffee intensifies problems for people with pre-existing heart conditions because the caffeine increases heart rate, Roy said. But for younger, healthier individuals, the antioxidants could be protective.
Contact Sarah Eddington at [email protected]