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Moderate consumption of filtered coffee may be associated with a lower risk of several cardiovascular and metabolic conditions, according to a new scientific statement from the American Heart Association.
The report, published Monday in the journal Circulation, reviewed existing research on the effects of coffee and caffeine on heart health. The findings suggest that drinking up to five cups of certain types of coffee each day may provide health benefits, although researchers cautioned that preparation methods and individual caffeine sensitivity remain important factors.
Regular coffee consumption has been associated with lower risks of developing type 2 diabetes, suffering a stroke, or experiencing heart failure, explained ABC News. Some recent research has also found that daily coffee consumption among patients who underwent procedures to treat irregular heart rhythms was associated with a 39% reduction in the likelihood of the condition returning.
“Coffee is potentially linked to lower risks of type 2 diabetes, stroke, and heart failure, though its relationship with blood pressure is complex and data isn’t entirely consistent across the board,” said Dr. Jennifer Miao, a board-certified cardiologist and ABC News Medical Unit Fellow.
The statement also cited research associating habitual coffee consumption with a 20% to 30% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
The potential benefits, however, may depend largely on how the coffee is prepared. The favorable findings were primarily associated with paper-filtered or instant coffee.
Coffee prepared without a paper filter, including French press, espresso, and Turkish coffee, retains a compound known as cafestol. The substance can increase levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, commonly known as LDL or “bad” cholesterol, which can contribute to blocked arteries.
The American Heart Association also distinguished traditional coffee from highly concentrated sources of synthetic caffeine. Energy drinks, caffeine shots, and pills do not appear to provide the same potential benefits and have been associated with sudden increases in blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms, including among otherwise healthy individuals.
“The AHA distinguishes between coffee and energy drinks, which can pose significant cardiovascular harm,” said Miao. “In large amounts, energy drinks can trigger life-threatening heart rhythm issues and even cardiac arrest.”
Individual reactions to caffeine can vary significantly, in part because of genetic differences. Variations in the CYP1A2 gene, which affects a liver enzyme responsible for processing caffeine, allow some people to metabolize it more quickly than others.
People who process caffeine more slowly may experience elevated blood pressure, sleep disruption, or other effects after consuming relatively small amounts. Approximately 400 milligrams of caffeine, or about three to five cups of coffee, is generally considered a reference point for many adults.
Medical professionals emphasized that the findings should not be interpreted as a recommendation to begin drinking coffee solely to improve heart health. People with existing cardiovascular conditions or risk factors for heart disease or stroke should consult a healthcare provider before changing their caffeine consumption.
“Consume caffeine in moderation, not solely for potential health benefits,” Miao advised. “Everyone’s sensitivity is different, so if you have any underlying conditions or concerns, please talk to your doctor.”
The statement marks a shift from earlier guidance that often encouraged people with heart conditions to avoid stimulants. Researchers said newer clinical evidence provides a more detailed understanding of the differences between natural coffee, various preparation methods, and concentrated caffeine products.
