Recent research reveals that consuming up to three cups of coffee daily is associated with a reduced risk of stroke and fatal heart disease.
"To our knowledge, this is the largest study to systematically assess the cardiovascular effects of regular coffee consumption in a population free of diagnosed heart disease," states lead author Dr. Judit Simon from the Heart and Vascular Center at Semmelweis University in Budapest, Hungary.
"Our findings indicate that regular coffee intake is safe, with even high daily consumption showing no link to adverse cardiovascular outcomes or all-cause mortality over 10- to 15-year follow-up," Dr. Simon adds. "Moreover, 0.5 to 3 cups per day independently correlated with lower risks of stroke, cardiovascular death, and overall mortality."
Coffee ranks among the world's most popular beverages, yet its long-term impact on heart health remains understudied. This investigation analyzed habitual coffee consumption's ties to heart attacks, strokes, and mortality using data from 468,629 UK Biobank participants without preexisting heart disease. Participants averaged 56.2 years old, with 55.8% female.
They were categorized by intake: none (22.1%), light to moderate (0.5-3 cups/day, 58.4%), or high (>3 cups/day, 19.5%). Researchers applied multivariable models over a median 11-year follow-up, adjusting for confounders like age, sex, BMI, smoking, exercise, hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol, socioeconomic status, and diets including alcohol, meat, tea, fruits, and vegetables.
Compared to non-drinkers, light to moderate consumers showed a 12% lower all-cause mortality risk, 17% reduced cardiovascular mortality, and 21% lower stroke risk. To probe mechanisms, the team reviewed cardiac MRI data from 30,650 participants—the gold standard for heart assessment. "Daily coffee drinkers exhibited healthier heart structure and function versus non-regular consumers, countering age-related decline," notes Dr. Simon.
"In summary, up to 3 cups daily links to favorable cardiovascular outcomes, potentially via improved cardiac metrics. More research will clarify mechanisms," she concludes.
