Coffee and Tea Both Benefit Heart Health

You’ve probably heard that coffee is bad for your heart, while tea is the healthier choice. But if you’re trying to figure out whether your daily cup is helping or hurting your cardiovascular health, the truth is simpler — and better — than you’ve been led to believe.

Yes, both coffee and tea can be good for your heart. Research confirms that neither increases your overall risk of heart disease, and when consumed properly, both may offer protective benefits. The key is how you prepare and drink them.

Coffee’s Mixed Reputation on Heart Health

For centuries, coffee’s effects on health were hotly debated. In 17th-century Europe, it was thought to aid digestion and treat gout but also blamed for causing impotence and paralysis — none of which have held up under modern scrutiny. Today, the focus is largely on coffee’s relationship with the heart.

Some studies claimed coffee raised heart disease risk, while others — often by coffee drinkers — refuted those claims. Early worries included coffee’s short-term impact on blood pressure and heart rate, as well as its effect on cholesterol.

What Actually Happens When You Drink Coffee

Here’s what the data shows:

• Caffeine and Blood Pressure: Among people who don’t regularly drink coffee, two cups can raise blood pressure by 2–3 mm Hg. But for habitual drinkers, there’s no significant effect.
• Heart Rate: Coffee may cause a brief increase in heart rate, but it doesn’t lead to irregular heartbeat.
• Cholesterol: Unfiltered or boiled coffee (like French press or Turkish) contains oils that can raise total and LDL cholesterol. However, filtered coffee removes these compounds, so most drip or pour-over methods don’t affect cholesterol levels.
• Arteries: Some older studies linked coffee to arterial stiffness, but newer research finds that two cups per day may actually help arteries relax.

Coffee and Heart Disease Risk

One major concern has been whether coffee might trigger heart attacks, especially in people with existing coronary heart disease. The risk, if it exists, is very small and depends on individual factors.

• For people who are sedentary, not used to drinking coffee, and have other heart disease risk factors, a morning cup might slightly increase the chance of a heart attack — but again, the risk is minimal.
• Some overestimate the impact of coffee on blood pressure and nervous system activity, which could disturb vulnerable plaque in coronary arteries.
• Genetics play a role too: A Costa Rican study found that slow caffeine metabolizers may have a higher heart attack risk after drinking coffee. But overall, the chances of coffee causing heart disease are extremely low.

Importantly, large, long-term studies (tracking people for 10–20 years) consistently show no increase in coronary heart disease risk among regular coffee drinkers, whether they prefer caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee. Coffee isn’t just safe — it can be part of a healthy diet.

What About Tea?

Comparing coffee and tea directly is tricky because tea drinkers often have healthier overall lifestyles, making it hard to isolate the drink’s effects. But observational studies do provide some useful insights.

• Both black and green tea are associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease — but you’d likely need to drink around 5–6 cups per day to see a benefit.

So which is better? There’s no definitive answer. The best choice depends on your taste preferences.

What to Remember When Drinking Coffee or Tea

To maximize heart benefits and minimize risks:

• Avoid unfiltered or boiled coffee (like French press or Turkish coffee), as these can raise cholesterol.
• If you add sugar to your coffee, choose low-calorie or low-fat options.
• Tea drinkers don’t face the same cholesterol concerns, but like with coffee, consistency and preparation matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does coffee really raise my risk of heart disease?

No. Long-term studies show no increased risk of coronary heart disease among regular coffee drinkers, whether they drink caffeinated or decaf. The idea that coffee causes heart disease is not supported by current evidence.

Is filtered coffee better for my heart than unfiltered coffee?

Yes. Unfiltered coffee (like French press or Turkish) contains oils that can raise LDL and total cholesterol. Filtered coffee removes these oils, so drip or pour-over methods are better for heart health.

Can drinking coffee cause a heart attack?

For most people, no. But for those who are sedentary, not habitual coffee drinkers, and have other heart risk factors, a single cup in the morning may slightly increase heart attack risk. This risk is very small and varies by individual.

Does decaf coffee have the same heart benefits as regular coffee?

Yes. Decaf coffee does not increase heart disease risk and, like regular coffee, is considered safe for long-term consumption based on decades of research.

How many cups of tea should I drink for heart benefits?

Observational studies suggest 5–6 cups per day of either black or green tea may help reduce coronary heart disease risk. Less than that may not show significant benefits.

Is tea or coffee better for heart health?

Neither is clearly better. Both can be heart-healthy when consumed in moderation and prepared properly. Your choice should depend on taste and lifestyle rather than slight differences in risk.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Coffee Lovers

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for a bright, juicy profile with notes of blueberry and citrus — ideal for exploring coffee’s positive side. For a smoother option, their Yirgacheffe offers floral tones and lemon zest, perfect for heart-healthy routines. If you prefer something richer, the PWN Golden Mandheling delivers chocolatey depth with mild acidity. All three are expertly roasted and suited for filtered brewing. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.