In researching my post for today, I ran across information regarding the health benefits of coffee. I was intrigued and decided to research further. For years as a health professional, I advised my patients with hypertension not to drink caffeinated coffee because it raises the blood pressure. No doubt if you have high blood pressure, your doctor has told you the same thing.

A new study that was published in the journal Nutrients reported drinking three or more cups of coffee daily was found to lower both peripheral and central blood pressure. I do not have high blood pressure; however, I routinely drink three cups of coffee nearly every day. The question is why people with hypertension (HBP) are told not to drink regular coffee?

In many older adults with high blood pressure, the large arteries become stiffer, leading to high systolic blood pressure (the top number of your blood pressure reading) and wider pulse pressure (the difference between the top and bottom numbers). The study I referred to was done by Dr. Arrigo F.G. Cicero at the University of Bologna. The study began in 1972 and is ongoing. The report of the study of 720 men and 783 women showed positive results from 2 cups per day. Sceptics of this study pointed out that the Mediterranean diet of this region may also have been a contributing factor.

Coffee contains caffeine, which can both raise and lower blood pressure, however, it also contains antioxidants and bioactive compounds (having a biological effect). So, what are the positive effects? Antioxidants found in coffee help blood vessels dilate and protect against free radicals (which kill our cells).

A bioactive compound found in coffee, called chlorogenic acid lowers systolic blood pressure. When our gut microbes break down chlorogenic acid it increases nitric oxide, which widens the arteries and lowers blood pressure. Even though caffeine could increase blood pressure, especially in those who usually don’t drink coffee, the amount of other bioactive compounds in coffee counterbalances this effect with a neutral to a positive effect on blood pressure.

The highest presence of chlorogenic acid is found in coffee beans, so grinding your coffee is even more beneficial. The question remains, should people with high blood pressure drink coffee? A cardiologist, Dr. Jim Liu, of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, states the findings of the study noted, are consistent with knowledge about the effects of coffee on blood pressure.

“Coffee can increase blood pressure after consumption, but there really has not been any consistent evidence to show that moderate amounts of coffee consumption lead to long-term issues with high blood pressure or heart disease in general” noted Dr. Liu.

The American Heart Association notes people are advised to avoid drinking “too much” coffee because of its ability to raise blood pressure. It can also cause problems with sleeping, heart palpitations, and anxiety. Again, should you or should you not drink coffee if you have high blood pressure?

In conclusion, the general train of thought is if you are a regular coffee drinker, moderation is the key. Drinking two to three cups of coffee is OK and won’t negatively impact your pressure. As well coffee may also be beneficial in lowering your blood pressure. The key is “moderation”. In other words, don’t go overboard. After I retired and was relaxing at home, I would drink a pot of coffee. I had no side effects but knew that was way too much caffeine. As a result, I cut back to 3 cups a day. That was enough to get me through the morning news.

Continue to take your hypertension medication, exercise at least 30 minutes a day, and if you enjoy coffee, drink no more than 2-3 cups daily.

Until next time,

Peace, Love, and Blessings💖