High blood pressure: Drinking up to 4 cups of coffee a day may reduce the risk

Many people in the world suffer from high blood pressure as it is one of the diseases that are unfortunately prevalent today. But a new study has shown that drinking four cups of a popular hot drink can help reduce the risk.

Express reports a study conducted by researchers from the University of Navarra in Spain and the University of Catania in Italy found that there is a relationship between drinking coffee and a lowered risk of hypertension or high blood pressure. The study was conducted independently while commissioned by the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee. Among the members that make up, the institution are six major European coffee brands; Nestle, Paulig, Tchibo, Lavazza, illycaffe, and Jacobs Douwe Egberts.

The study indicated that coffee, both in its caffeinated and decaffeinated forms when taken in moderation, is associated with a lowered risk of “metabolic syndrome.” A “metabolic syndrome” means multiple conditions that, when simultaneously occurring, increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. This condition is relatively dangerous and it also affects one in four adults.

Obesity, insulin resistance, high blood triglycerides, and low levels of HDL cholesterol, as well as hypertension, make up the metabolic syndrome.

According to Giuseppe Grosso, an assistant professor from the University of Catania, coffee contains polyphenols which may play a part in the health benefits that coffee gives, specifically the flavonoids and phenolic acids.

However, the study also found that the correlation between coffee intake and a lowered risk of obesity is not as definitive.

While it has yet to be definitively concluded that coffee can help reduce the risk of high blood pressure, doctors and nutritionists have always recommended that changes in diet can significantly reduce the risk of high blood pressure. These changes can be seen in both the short and long term as well.

As to the types of food recommended to lower blood pressure, some of these kinds of food include but are not limited to dark chocolate, bananas, berries, leafy green vegetables, kiwis, beetroot, and oats. All of these bring on a significant improvement in lowering the risk of high blood pressure on a person.