Should We Switch to decaf Coffee?

[Geri K]

Switch to decaf coffee Scientists have long debated the effects of caffeine on blood pressure. Some studies have shown no effect, but one from Duke University Medical Center found that caffeine consumption of 500 mg—roughly three 8-ounce cups of coffee—increased blood pressure by 4 mmhg, and that effect lasted until bedtime. For reference, 8 ounces of drip coffee contain 100 to 125 mg; the same amount of tea, 50 mg; an equal quantity of cola, about 40 mg. Caffeine can raise blood pressure by tightening blood vessels and by magnifying the effects of stress, says Jim Lane, PhD, associate research professor at Duke and the lead author of the study. "When you're under stress, your heart starts pumping a lot more blood, boosting blood pressure," he says. "And caffeine exaggerates that effect." If you drink a lot of joe, pour more decaf to protect your ticker.
prevention.com/health/how-lower-blood-pressure-naturally

 

[Barbara G.]

Recently, it was reported in the news that those who drink two to three cups of coffee a day can have less plague build up in their arteries. But, if they drink more they don't get the same benefit - they tend to have more build up in their arteries.