Cardiologists reveal the one type of coffee that's damaging your heart health every day!
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For many Americans, particularly those in the senior community, the morning ritual of sipping a hot cup of coffee is as essential as the sunrise.
It's a comforting routine that kickstarts our day, but have you ever paused to ponder the impact this beloved beverage has on your heart health?
Well, it turns out that not all cups of joe are created equal, especially when it comes to your ticker.
The relationship between coffee and heart health is a topic of much debate and research.
While some studies suggest that black coffee can be beneficial, offering a decrease in the risk of high blood pressure and high cholesterol, others indicate that coffee can raise blood pressure and stiffen arteries.
Dr. Edo Paz, MD, MPH, a cardiologist and the Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs at Hello Heart, acknowledges the mixed results but still recommends moderation, suggesting no more than one cup a day.
Dr. Sam Setareh, MD, MS, FACC, the Director of Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Performance at Beverly Hills Cardiovascular, concurs, noting that one to two cups of black coffee daily can improve cardiovascular health due to its antioxidant properties.
However, he cautions against excessive consumption, particularly for those sensitive to caffeine, as it can increase heart rate and blood pressure.
While a simple cup of black coffee might be relatively harmless or even beneficial in moderation, cardiologists warn that the real villain for heart health is the sugary coffee drink.
These beverages, like caramel macchiatos or blended frappuccinos, are loaded with calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats, which can completely overshadow any potential benefits of coffee.
A grande Starbucks caramel macchiato, for example, contains a whopping 33 grams of added sugar—more than the American Heart Association's recommended daily intake. And it's not just café-bought drinks; pre-packaged coffee products can be just as sugar-laden.
The health implications of daily sugar-sweetened coffee are dire. Dr. Paz highlights that added sugar can damage blood vessels, contribute to plaque buildup in arteries, and increase the risk of cardiac disease and other heart disease risk factors like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Dr. Setareh adds that the combination of sugar and caffeine can spike blood pressure and heart rate, leading to inflammation and an elevated risk of heart disease over time.
If you're partial to a sweeter cup, cardiologists suggest making your coffee at home. This way, you can control the amount of sugar and creamer you add.
Dr. Paz recommends using cinnamon as a heart-healthy alternative to sugar. Dr. Setareh advises opting for simpler preparations like black coffee or espresso, or adding unsweetened plant-based milk.
Both experts stress the importance of moderation, even with black coffee. Dr. Paz enjoys his morning cup but then switches to water and other low-sugar, non-caffeinated beverages for the rest of the day, maintaining a healthy balance.
Have you found ways to make your coffee routine healthier for your heart? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below!
It's a comforting routine that kickstarts our day, but have you ever paused to ponder the impact this beloved beverage has on your heart health?
Well, it turns out that not all cups of joe are created equal, especially when it comes to your ticker.
The relationship between coffee and heart health is a topic of much debate and research.
While some studies suggest that black coffee can be beneficial, offering a decrease in the risk of high blood pressure and high cholesterol, others indicate that coffee can raise blood pressure and stiffen arteries.
Dr. Edo Paz, MD, MPH, a cardiologist and the Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs at Hello Heart, acknowledges the mixed results but still recommends moderation, suggesting no more than one cup a day.
Dr. Sam Setareh, MD, MS, FACC, the Director of Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Performance at Beverly Hills Cardiovascular, concurs, noting that one to two cups of black coffee daily can improve cardiovascular health due to its antioxidant properties.
Cardiologists recommend drinking coffee in moderation for heart health, with a preference for black coffee without added sugar. Image source: Pixabay.
However, he cautions against excessive consumption, particularly for those sensitive to caffeine, as it can increase heart rate and blood pressure.
While a simple cup of black coffee might be relatively harmless or even beneficial in moderation, cardiologists warn that the real villain for heart health is the sugary coffee drink.
These beverages, like caramel macchiatos or blended frappuccinos, are loaded with calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats, which can completely overshadow any potential benefits of coffee.
A grande Starbucks caramel macchiato, for example, contains a whopping 33 grams of added sugar—more than the American Heart Association's recommended daily intake. And it's not just café-bought drinks; pre-packaged coffee products can be just as sugar-laden.
The health implications of daily sugar-sweetened coffee are dire. Dr. Paz highlights that added sugar can damage blood vessels, contribute to plaque buildup in arteries, and increase the risk of cardiac disease and other heart disease risk factors like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Dr. Setareh adds that the combination of sugar and caffeine can spike blood pressure and heart rate, leading to inflammation and an elevated risk of heart disease over time.
If you're partial to a sweeter cup, cardiologists suggest making your coffee at home. This way, you can control the amount of sugar and creamer you add.
Dr. Paz recommends using cinnamon as a heart-healthy alternative to sugar. Dr. Setareh advises opting for simpler preparations like black coffee or espresso, or adding unsweetened plant-based milk.
Both experts stress the importance of moderation, even with black coffee. Dr. Paz enjoys his morning cup but then switches to water and other low-sugar, non-caffeinated beverages for the rest of the day, maintaining a healthy balance.
Have you found ways to make your coffee routine healthier for your heart? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below!
