close
close

Drinking 4 cups of coffee a day is slowly killing you: New Indian study shows | Health

Coffee is not the lifesaver you make it out to be. Of course, it is the right energy booster to start the day, but it also has some disadvantages. As a coffee lover, you might shrug your shoulders, because who cares if an extra cup of coffee makes you more productive throughout the day? Coffee is almost a lazy supplement that you consciously indulge in. Your heart, however, sees things differently. High coffee consumption puts your heart health at risk.

Regular coffee consumption can have a negative impact on your heart health. (Pixabay)

An Indian research study from Zydus Medical College and Hospital has revealed the ugly truth about caffeine consumption. Daily consumption of more than 400 mg of caffeine, which is equivalent to almost four cups of coffee or two energy drinks, increases the risk of developing serious cardiovascular problems later in life. This also applies to other caffeinated products such as sodas and energy drinks.

ALSO READ: Tea vs. coffee, the big debate in the beverage world: Are tea leaves or coffee beans the better brew for your health?

How caffeine affects your heart

Coffee disrupts the body's parasympathetic system, which is primarily responsible for the body's natural relaxation and recovery. It calms the heart rate and slows breathing. However, because coffee is a stimulant, it disrupts the parasympathetic system and increases the heart rate as well as adrenaline levels, making you more alert, productive and with more energy.

The constant disturbance can lead to hypertension (high blood pressure) and other cardiovascular diseases. High pressure is a silent threat and shows no obvious symptoms. But it slowly harbors dangerous diseases such as coronary heart disease, heart failure, chronic kidney disease and dementia.

ALSO READ: ICMR advises avoiding milk tea; suggests when to drink tea and coffee; raises concerns about excessive consumption in new guideline

Who is at risk?

Women, city dwellers and busy professionals in business and management are more prone to excessive coffee consumption. Demanding jobs with long working hours, stressful workplaces and a hectic, fast-paced lifestyle, combined with the ubiquitous availability of coffee in countless city cafes or office coffee machines, often lead people to involuntarily or intentionally reach for another cup. The caffeine effect becomes more pronounced when consuming more than 600 mg of coffee. The researchers called for increased awareness on the issue.

Moderation is the limit

Don't give up your favorite coffee just yet. Drink coffee in moderation every day. Moderation is the golden rule. Start by checking your coffee consumption and if it exceeds the 400 mg limit, gradually reduce it with herbal teas or decaffeinated alternatives. Make sure you drink enough fluids during the day to counteract coffee cravings. Adequate sleep is necessary to get a good rest and prevent coffee dependence. Conscious consumption will save you from future problems.

ALSO READ: Functional coffee: More than just a trend, health benefits and wellness

You may also like...