Coffee May Improve Blood Vessel Function

Tue, Aug 18, 15 by Jim Couch

A new study out of Japan suggests that moderate caffeinated coffee consumption may have some beneficial effects on cardiovascular health.

The study, conducted at The University of Ryukyus, measured reactive hyperemia (vascular function that takes into consideration how well small blood vessels function) in participants’ index fingers across participants drinking caffeinated and decaf coffee. Those who drank the caffeinated coffee had a 30% increase in this function over a 75-minute period. Heart rate levels stayed the same across both groups.

A study released last year also showed that regular, moderate coffee consumption may significantly reduce a person’s risk of heart failure. It found that drinking the equivalent of two cups of coffee per day appears to have the most significant benefit on heart health, when compared with no coffee consumption, but that drinking excessive amounts of coffee- 5 or 6 cups per day, may increase risks of problems.