As the global population ages, the rise of cardiometabolic multimorbidity has become a global health issue. Researchers define cardiometabolic multimorbidity as when a person has two or more cardiovascular or metabolic diseases at the same time, such as type 2 diabetes, stroke, or coronary heart disease. 2 diabetes, stroke and coronary heart disease.
Coronary heart disease is well-known to have the highest morbidity rates globally which makes addressing cardiovascular healthcare of great importance. Approximately 17.1 million people lose their lives to coronary heart disease annually. Type 2 diabetes is also prevalent globally. In 2017, experts estimated that type 2 diabetes affected 426 million individuals worldwide.
However, both coronary heart disease and diabetes are preventable and treatable ailments. Through lifestyle changes, dietary considerations, and medical interventions, it is possible to maintain and potentially prevent the onset of heart disease and diabetes. While researchers have highlighted the health benefits of coffee, tea and caffeine in combating these diseases individually, researchers are uncertain of their impact on the development of cardiometabolic multimorbidity.
But coffee and tea lovers can thank their love for these beverages. A recent large-scale study has found that moderate consumption of caffeinated coffee, green tea, and black tea may actually reduce the risk of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes. So pour your morning cup of Joe and learn to harness the benefits of your daily cup. Here’s what you need to know:
Coffee and Tea for Better Heart Health
People around the world widely consume and enjoy both coffee and tea for good reason. These beverages contain antioxidants, especially polyphenols, which protect the body’s cells from damage and reduce inflammation. These benefits may protect against certain cancers and cardiometabolic multimorbidity.
The recent study, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism explored whether coffee, tea and caffeine has any effect on cardiometabolic health. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 200,000 adults in the UK Biobank, which has diet and health information from over 500,00 people in the UK.
A focus on participants who had completed a dietary questionnaire and excluded participants with pre-existing cardiometabolic related conditions. The researchers excluded incomplete questionnaire data from the analysis. They studied participants for over a decade and closely monitored their coffee and tea consumption.
The study shows positive results for avid coffee, green and black tea drinkers. Those who consumed 2-3 cups of coffee or tea daily had a 50% lower risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases. This is in comparison to those who drank little or no coffee or tea.
However, while the study provides some promising results, they should be carefully considered. As the study is observational, researchers cannot establish causality. The research did not reflect a global population. Researchers did not consider factors like dietary changes over time and focused their data analysis solely on caffeine intake from coffee and tea.
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How Coffee and Tea Protect Your Heart
Caffeinated coffee and tea are loaded with polyphenols, which are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds can help reduce oxidative stress, inflammation in blood vessels, and protect against certain cancers and neurodegenerative conditions. Caffeine and other compounds also improve the function of endothelial cells, which line the blood vessels, supporting healthy blood circulation.
Green and black tea, in particular, may lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol profiles. They help reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol while increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol, further supporting cardiovascular health. It seems like your fortune could very well be settled at the bottom of your tea cup. Some research indicates that moderate consumption of caffeine may even lower your risk of heart failure and arrhythmias, even in people with existing heart conditions.
The FDA recommends a daily intake of no more than 400 mg of caffeine as a safe amount for most healthy adults. If you’re a coffee drinker, that’s approximately 3-4 cups daily and tea drinkers, that is approximately 3 cups a day. Stick to moderate consumption of coffee, tea and caffeine and reap the purported benefits for better cardiovascular health. Find out what other health benefits coffee and tea can of you.
Natural Ways to Reduce Disease Risk
While coffee and tea both support cardiovascular health, they also help protect against type 2 diabetes. Multiple studies have found that daily coffee intake can lower diabetes risk by up to 54%. Those who drank coffee frequently saw the greatest benefits, lowering their risk of type 2 diabetes and improving overall health. Tea, especially when 5 or more cups per day are consumed, has also been linked to a significant reduction in diabetes risk.
However, these health benefits do not solely stem from caffeine. The polyphenols and other bioactive compounds in coffee and tea play a significant role in insulin absorption. These compounds enhance insulin sensitivity and help regulate blood sugar levels, lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes. Take a look at other modifiable risk factors that could help you mitigate the onset of type 2 diabetes.
How Much Should You Drink?
Consuming more than 400 mg of caffeine daily (roughly four to five cups of coffee) is not recommended for most adults, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. However, the study found no negative consequences for those who occasionally exceeded this threshold.
While there is no concrete evidence that excessive caffeine consumption can nullify its benefits, caution should be exercised. Excessive caffeine consumption can lead to migraines, sleeping problems, jitters and increased anxiety. Caffeine intake may also be problematic for groups such as pregnant people, teenagers and adolescents. Alway contact your healthcare professional when considering dietary changes, especially with caffeine.
Tips for Maximizing Benefits
Keeping it simple with your beverages without adding excessive sugars, flavoring or high-fat creamers. Choosing black coffee or plain green tea is the best way to gain these benefits. Too much added sugar may counteract the health benefits. So think again before ordering extra, double whipped cream on your coffee, if you’re looking to explore its health benefits. Professionals suggest these products be consumed earlier in the day, so as not to disrupt your sleeping.
While coffee and tea show promising results in lowering cardiometabolic multimorbidity risk, addressing other risk factors has proven to be more beneficial. Combining your beverage of choice with a diet high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids may reduce your risk of heart issues. Staying active is important for better health overall, including heart health.
Conclusion
Drinking moderate amounts of coffee and tea, especially green and black, may help lower your risk of heart disease and diabetes. Their benefits stem from a combination of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory effects, and improved blood vessel function.
While these findings are promising, it’s important to enjoy these beverages as part of a balanced lifestyle and consult with your healthcare provider, especially if you have existing health conditions or are sensitive to caffeine. By making coffee and tea a regular part of your routine-without overdoing it on sweeteners or cream-you can take a natural step toward better cardiovascular and metabolic health.
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