3 To 5 Cups Of Coffee Could Benefit Your Heart Health

Boosts Exercise

While the stimulant effects derived from the caffeine in coffee work to improve cognition and physical performance when used in moderation, coffee contains other chemicals that may have beneficial effects during exercise. These chemicals have been shown to have positive effects on heart health and glucose regulation. Due to these effects, coffee boosts exercise performance and help reduce exercise-induced muscle damage. For instance, a phytochemical (bioactive plant chemical) known as chlorogenic acid helps improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. This can be beneficial for the heart during exercise as relaxed blood vessels help the heart transport oxygen and glucose efficiently. Studies have also shown chlorogenic acid increases fat metabolism in the liver. This may be beneficial for exercising when blood glucose levels are low.

Caffeine Promotes Protection And Repair Of Heart Muscle

Studies have shown caffeine promotes protection and repair of the heart muscle and cardiovascular cells. It does this is by increasing the movement of a regulatory protein (p27) into the mitochondria of cardiovascular cells. P27 has been noted to promote migration of endothelial cells (the cells that line the interior of blood vessels) and protect heart muscle cells from cellular death. P27 also triggers the conversion of fibroblasts, which are collagen-producing cells, into cells that contain contractile fibers. This increase in P27 helps to protect cardiovascular cells and repair the heart muscle after damage.