Do You Know That Drinking Coffee Can Reduce the Risk of Clogged Arteries?
If you’re a coffee enthusiast in Coconut Creek, FL, you’ll be pleased to discover the findings of a recent study published in the journal Heart. The study indicates that individuals who consume an average of 3-5 cups of coffee daily may experience a significant reduction in the risk of atherosclerosis, characterized by plaque build-up in the arteries, leading to a lower risk of heart attacks.
Positive Impacts of Drinking Coffee
Coffee, containing over 1,000 chemicals, including antioxidants, is believed to contribute to these health benefits. Part of this positive impact arises from coffee’s ability to enhance insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control, consequently lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes, a significant factor in the development of clogged arteries.
What the Research Says
The research involved more than 25,000 Korean men and women with an average age of 41, showing no symptoms of heart disease. Participants were categorized based on their daily coffee consumption: none, less than one cup, three to five cups, and five or more cups.
During yearly health exams, participants reported their dietary habits, and CT scans were conducted to assess calcium build-up in their heart arteries. The results were then compared with the amount of coffee consumed by each participant.
Researchers discovered that the group consuming three to five cups daily had the lowest presence of coronary artery calcium (CAC), an early indicator of atherosclerosis and heart disease. Positive results were also observed in those drinking 1-3 cups, showing less calcium build-up compared to non-coffee drinkers. Notably, as coffee consumption increased, the amount of calcium build-up decreased, with those consuming three to five cups per day exhibiting the least calcium build-up.
While the study focused on individuals in South Korea, Dr. Eliseo Guallar, a co-author from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, anticipates similar findings for American coffee drinkers (including those in local Coconut Creek, FL). While the study doesn’t establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between coffee and reduced arterial calcium, the association between the two is notably strong.
Should I Start Drinking Coffee?
For non-coffee drinkers in Coconut Creek, FL, researchers suggest there’s no need to start, as the most significant findings were observed in those consuming 3-5 cups daily. Additionally, it’s important to be mindful of what is added to coffee, as ingredients like creamers, whipped cream, and excessive sugar may not be beneficial to overall health.
Schedule a Consultation in Coconut Creek, FL
In conclusion, enjoy your cup of “joe,” it may be even better for you than you thought!
To learn more and address any of your vascular needs, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation today. Call our Coconut Creek, FL office or message us via our online contact form.
Dr. Willian Julien
Dr. William Julien is a board-certified vascular interventional radiologist and the president of South Florida Vascular Associates. He specializes in minimally invasive procedures to treat conditions like PAD, BPH, uterine fibroids, varicose veins, and aortic aneurysms. Dr. Julien earned his medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine and completed his residency at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, followed by fellowship training at the Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute. He is certified by the American Board of Radiology with a subspecialty in interventional radiology. Dr. Julien is a member of RSNA and the American Heart Association’s CVRI Council and serves on the Society of Interventional Radiology’s Practice Affairs Committee. He is involved in national device trials and speaks regularly at endovascular conferences. His outpatient endovascular suite is one of the first of its kind in the U.S., allowing patients to receive advanced care outside the hospital.