Consuming coffee may improve blood pressure.

Yaay!

Like many, I enjoy a good cup of Joe to start the morning and occasionally throughout the day.

Typically, I enjoy mine “fully leaded.”

Other times, I prefer decaf or “half-caf.”

Either way, the delightful aroma, and the rich flavor are a simple pleasure.

According to a recent Healthline article titled “Hypertension: 3 Cups of Coffee a Day May Lower Blood Pressure,” coffee consumption may also have health benefits.

Drinking coffee regularly may improve blood pressure as a senior.

This observation was noted by Dr. Arrigo F.G. Cicero, associate professor in the Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences at the University of Bologna.

Cicero and his team of researchers reviewed data from 783 women and 720 men sampled for the Brisighella Heart Study.

The study was initiated in 1972 with a random representative sample of participants from the rural town of Brisighella in Northern Italy.

These researchers specifically reviewed coffee consumption habits, blood pressure, and other data relevant to cardiovascular health.

What were the results?

The team noted that those who consumed three or more cups of coffee daily had lower blood pressure.

Blood pressure is important because central and peripheral blood pressure are markers of arterial aging and stiffening.

Specifically, stiffer arteries lead to a higher systolic blood pressure number and wider pulse pressure.

Systolic blood pressure is the top number on a blood pressure reading.

Pulse pressure is the difference between the top and bottom blood pressure numbers.

Why might coffee consumption be related to lower blood pressure?

The researchers are still hypothesizing about the reasons for these results.

Generally, the caffeine in coffee will raise blood pressure in the short term.

One theory involves the presence of antioxidants in coffee.

By helping blood vessels to dilate, these antioxidants may protect cells from free radicals.

Although this study was small, Dr. Jim Liu, a cardiologist at The Ohio State University, stated the results coincide with findings in other studies.

While a cup of Java can increase blood pressure following consumption, moderate consumption has not been negatively connected to heart disease or long-term high blood pressure.

Long-term blood pressure may not be negatively affected by coffee.

Still, the American Heart Association recommends moderation in drinking coffee because it can lead to sleep issues, exacerbate anxiety, and cause heart palpitations.

My take?

Think Goldilocks.

Choose the middle way.

Moderation is the key component to a healthy coffee habit.

Reference: Healthline (February 12, 2023) “Hypertension: 3 Cups of Coffee a Day May Lower Blood Pressure”