Coffee lovers are getting more good news about their favorite drink! It may help both heart and gut health.
Recent research has found that drinking three cups of caffeinated coffee daily is linked to a 40 percent lower chance of developing heart disease. While it is a stimulant, it is also packed with anti-inflammatory compounds.
“Coffee contains specific antioxidants like chlorogenic acids and caffeic acid, which are shown to help reduce inflammation in our bodies,” says registered dietitian Angie Konegni.
Years ago, we wrote about the importance of hydration in heart health. Staying properly hydrated helps your muscles, including your heart. It also aids your cholesterol levels. Dehydration can lead to thicker blood and has been linked to a higher stroke risk.
While people often think coffee dehydrates, that is largely a myth. Coffee is a diuretic — meaning it causes urination. But it’s a mild one, and people grow used to it. You would need to drink five cups of coffee to dehydrate you. While it isn’t your best option to rehydrate, it isn’t a poor choice of drink overall.
The antioxidant can also aid blood sugar, in turn helping heart health. They aid the elasticity of blood vessels, boosting circulation and lowering blood pressure.
New research using stool samples from 22,867 people found that coffee drinkers have high levels of a beneficial bacterium in their microbiomes. The polyphenols, including chlorogenic acid and quinic acid, found in coffee help boost the growth of this beneficial bacteria. The caffeine in the coffee also stimulates bacteria growth. However, decaf drinkers benefit from the polyphenols. They act like food for the gut.
The team behind the gut health research said as little as one or two cups a day would stimulate beneficial changes in the gut. Up to four cups a day is considered healthy. Adding milk or sugar didn’t change how coffee aided gut health.
If you don’t habitually drink coffee, you should speak to a health professional before adding it to your day. Caffeine is a stimulant and isn’t suitable for everyone. Some medications may interact with it. Some people may have a medical reason to avoid the drink. However, if you already drink coffee, this may give you an extra reason to enjoy it. We always love finding perks in our favorite foods. Knowing that we are helping our health while enjoying our mornings is excellent news!
