MILAN, Italy – A new report conducted by the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (Isic), and reviewed by Professor Kjeld Hermansen, department of Clinical Medicine at Aarhus University, Denmark, assesses the latest research into the potential role of coffee consumption in reducing the risk of CVD.
CVD is the leading cause of death in Europe, with more than 11 million new cases being diagnosed per year. Poor diet, lack of physical activity, smoking and raised blood cholesterol levels are all key risk factors for CVD. Other risk factors like obesity and type 2 diabetes have also increased considerably in recent years.
Coffee consumption reduces the risk of CVD
This report investigates the growing body of literature exploring the effect of coffee consumption on CVD, and how an everyday pleasure can potentially play a role in reducing risk.
Findings reveal some significant health benefits and a potential protective effect of coffee on CVD risk and CVD mortality risk, with the greatest benefits observed with 3 cups per day.
Key research findings include:
· The largest relative risk reduction for CVD mortality and all-cause mortality with 3- cups per day vs. none. Notably, a decreased risk of stroke incidences was also observed.
· A significant protective effect of coffee consumption on hypertension and atrial fibrillation risk, starting from 3 cups per day.
· A significant reduction of incidences in cerebrovascular events, heart failure and arrythmias in men.
Key clinical updates from professional societies include:
Revised 2021 guidelines on CVD prevention in clinical practice from The European Society of Cardiology (ESC), including for the first time, the use of coffee, stating that “moderate coffee consumption (3-4 cups per day) is probably not harmful, perhaps even moderately beneficial”.
Revised 2022 positioning statement from The European Society of Hypertension (ESH) on nutraceuticals and blood pressure, stating that antioxidant rich beverages (such as coffee and tea) could be considered as being potentially useful choices in supporting healthy blood pressures.
Professor Kjeld Hermansen, concludes that “Drinking moderate amounts of coffee is not only associated with a lower risk of heart disease but also with living longer. These trends hold true for both people with and without cardiovascular disease. Coffee beans have over 100 biologically active compounds. These substances may help reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and improve insulin sensitivity and metabolism. The exact mechanisms of action in relation to CVD is, however, still not clarified.”
To read the full report, titled “Coffee and cardiovascular disease” click here.
About Isic
The Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (Isic) is a not-for-profit organisation, established in 1990 and devoted to the study and disclosure of science related to ‘coffee and health’. Since 2003 ISIC also supports a pan-European education programme, working in partnership with national coffee associations in nine countries to convey current scientific knowledge on ‘coffee and health’ to healthcare professionals.
Isic’s activities are focused on:
- The study of scientific matters related to “coffee and health”.
- The collection and evaluation of studies and scientific information about “coffee and health”.
- The support of independent scientific research on “coffee and health”.
- Active dissemination of balanced “coffee and health” scientific research and knowledge to a broad range of stakeholders.
- Isic respects scientific research ethics in all its activities. ISIC’s communications are based on sound science and rely on scientific studies derived from peer-reviewed scientific journals and other publications.
Isic members are six of the major European coffee companies: illycaffè, Jacobs Douwe Egberts, Lavazza, Nestlé, Paulig and Tchibo.
