Study Shows Coffee Helps Small Blood Vessels

Study Shows Coffee Helps Small Blood Vessels

A recent study conducted by Masato Tsutsui and the University of Ryukyus in Japan suggests that coffee can increase the health and functionality of small blood vessels. This isn't the first study to suggest that coffee, consumed in moderate quantities can have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular and circulatory system.

All studies, however, fail to explain the exact mechanism and coffee’s positive effects, with researchers warning that the positive effects don’t mean people should drink excessive quantities of coffee.

The study used 27 adults aged 22 to 30 who are not regular coffee drinkers. Participants drank a small cup of caffeinated coffee and had their reactive hyperemia measured in their left index finger. The measurement is meant to show one’s small blood vessel function levels. Two days later the participants repeated the experiment with a cup of decaffeinated coffee.

Measurements have shown that after drinking caffeinated coffee participants had a slight increase in blood pressure and a 30% increased vascular function for up to 75 minutes. Both caffeinated and decaf made no change to the heart rate of the participants.

While the study might give a clue of how coffee can help our cardiovascular system, many researchers say that a general conclusion can’t be based on such a small study. Cardiologists and researchers like Vincent Bufalino say that more research is needed especially as higher consumption of the substance can bring on possibly dangerous side effects, like heart palpitation and increased blood pressure.

Posted by George Daniels on Saturday November 23 2013, 4:15 AM EST. Ref: USA Today. Link. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News, Health. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0