Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 24: Drinking two to four cups of coffee a day may help improve heart health and reduce the risk of several chronic diseases, according to a recent scientific review highlighted by the American Heart Association (AHA).

The findings were explained by US-based board-certified heart surgeon Dr Jeremy London in a social media post, where he said moderate coffee consumption has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, heart failure, Type 2 diabetes and atrial fibrillation (AFib).

Citing the AHA review, Dr London said consuming two to four 8-ounce cups of coffee daily appears to provide the greatest health benefits.

"The American Heart Association reviewed the available evidence and found that coffee in these amounts is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, heart failure, Type 2 diabetes and even atrial fibrillation. However, consuming more than five cups a day or over 400 mg of caffeine showed a trend towards an increased risk of heart failure," he said.

According to the review, the health benefits are not attributed to caffeine alone. Naturally occurring compounds in coffee, including chlorogenic acid, are also believed to contribute to its protective effects.

Dr London noted that the way coffee is prepared can influence its health benefits. He advised limiting added sugar, cream and flavoured syrups, as they may offset coffee's positive effects.

He also recommended choosing filtered coffee over unfiltered varieties such as French press or Turkish coffee, as the latter contain compounds that may increase low-density lipoprotein (LDL), commonly known as "bad" cholesterol. Using a paper filter helps remove these substances, he said.

The heart surgeon further advised avoiding coffee late in the day, noting that caffeine remains in the body for five to six hours and may interfere with sleep quality.

Drawing a distinction between coffee and commercially available energy shots, Dr London warned that many energy drinks contain excessive amounts of caffeine and other stimulants that have been associated with an increased risk of abnormal heart rhythms, even in otherwise healthy individuals.

The review concludes that moderate consumption of filtered coffee, without excessive sugar or cream, may form part of a heart-healthy lifestyle, while excessive caffeine intake should be avoided.