Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

epSos.de via Flickr/Creative Commons
clear arteries

Your five-a-day of COFFEE could help reduce your risk of heart disease

You might be pushing the safe limit for caffeine after that.

DRINKING UP TO five cups of coffee a day could help to keep your arteries clear and your heart ticking over nicely.

A new study, published in the journal Heart, reveals that moderate coffee consumption could help lower the risk of heart attack.

The level of coronary artery calcium (CAC) in 25,000 men and women, with an average age of 41, was analysed by researchers at the Kangbuck Samsung Hospital in Seoul, South Korea.

The presence of CAC – essentially plaque clogging up arteries – is an early sign of coronary heart disease.

The narrowing of blood vessels can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

The amount of CAC present decreased between those who drink less than one cup of coffee a day, and those who drank three to five. It increased sharply among those who drank more than five.

This matches what is generally considered a safe amount of coffee to drink in one day.

One caffeine expert told the Wall Street Journal that four cups of coffee, equating to around 400mg of caffeine, is safe, as long as you’re not experiencing major side effects a a result.

Matthew Jonson noted, however, that some studies suggested health benefits up to six cups a day.

You would need to drink as many as 140 cups in one day to overdose, Johnson added.

After all that, it’s probably time for a cup. Anyone want one?

tumblr_mqt8bzhqbh1qcax3ro1_500

Tea drinkers: Your daily dose of Barry’s or Lyons could stop you developing diabetes >

Read: 10 indulgent boozy coffees you can make at home >

More: 16 places to get a decent cup of coffee in Ireland >

Your Voice
Readers Comments
28
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.