Coffee and Cardio

PALERMO, ItalyCoffee is one of the most pervasive beverages globally. It speaks the same language, and bears the same love no matter what country youre in. It has been touted for its many health benefits, and well as frowned upon for its acidic nature and effect on blood pressure. But researchers continue to delve into its potential, never-ending benefits and questionable effects. Italian researchers recently reported caffeinated coffee acutely induced unfavorable cardiovascular effects, especially on endothelial function; and during the fasting state, insulin secretion was reduced after caffeinated coffee ingestion (Eu J Clin Nutr. 2010;64:483489).

A total of 20 (10 males and 10 females) healthy non-obese subjects underwent a double blind, crossover study. Subjects ingested one cup of caffeinated and one cup of decaffeinated Italian espresso coffee in random order at five- to seven-day intervals. Following caffeinated ingestion, brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) decreased progressively and significantly, but it did not significantly increase after decaffeinated ingestion. Similarly, caffeinated coffee significantly increased both systolic and diastolic blood pressure; this effect was not observed after decaffeinated ingestion. Blood glucose concentrations remained unchanged after ingestion of both caffeinated and decaffeinated, but insulin and C-peptide blood concentrations decreased significantly only after caffeinated ingestion.