Coffee and Tea Both Benefit Heart Health

If you’ve been told to cut back on coffee for your heart, or been told tea is the only safe bet—you’re not alone. For years, coffee’s reputation has been shaky when it comes to cardiovascular health, while tea has enjoyed a healthier image. But what does the latest science really say? Whether you’re team coffee or team tea, there’s good news waiting.

The short answer? Both coffee and tea can be good for your heart—when consumed habitually and prepared properly. Most studies show no increased risk of heart disease from regular coffee or tea drinking, and some even point to benefits. Just skip unfiltered coffee to avoid raising your cholesterol.

Coffee’s Changing Reputation

Talk of coffee and health isn’t new. Back in seventeenth-century Europe, coffee was believed to help with digestion and gout—but also blamed for causing impotence and paralysis. Clearly, not all of that turned out to be true. These days, the focus is more on coffee’s real relationship with heart health.

What Research Really Says About Coffee and Your Heart

Some studies claim coffee is bad for the heart, while others—often by coffee drinkers—disagree. Here’s what we know from decades of research:

• For people who don’t usually drink coffee, two cups can raise blood pressure by 2–3 mm Hg. But for regular drinkers, this effect largely disappears.
• Coffee may cause a short-term increase in heart rate, but it doesn’t lead to arrhythmias.
• Unfiltered or boiled coffee contains oils that can raise total and LDL cholesterol levels. However, filtered coffee removes these compounds, making most modern brewing methods cholesterol-neutral.
• Some older studies linked coffee to arterial stiffness, but newer research suggests that two cups per day may actually help arteries relax.

Coffee and Heart Disease Risk

Cardiologists have long focused on whether coffee contributes to high blood pressure or heart attacks. Here’s the breakdown:

• Coffee does not cause hypertension. If you have high blood pressure but enjoy coffee, you can keep drinking it.
• Large, long-term studies involving 10–20 years of data show no increased risk of coronary heart disease among regular coffee drinkers—whether they prefer caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee.
• Overall, evidence strongly supports that coffee can be part of a healthy diet, with no link to causing heart disease.

But what if you already have heart disease? Can coffee trigger a heart attack? The risk exists—but it’s very small, and not universal. For example:

• Sedentary individuals with heart disease risk factors who aren’t used to drinking coffee might see a slight increase in heart attack risk after a morning cup—again, the increase is minor.
• This may be partly due to overestimating the effects of a single coffee on blood pressure and nervous system activity, which could disturb vulnerable plaque in coronary arteries.
• Genetics also play a role. A Costa Rican study found that slow caffeine metabolizers may have a higher heart attack risk after drinking coffee. But again, the overall risk is minimal.

And What About Tea?

Comparing coffee and tea directly is tricky. Tea drinkers often have healthier overall lifestyles, which clouds the comparison. But observational studies do show some benefits:

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

So, which is better? There’s no definitive answer. The best choice depends on your taste preferences. Both beverages appear to be heart-friendly when consumed regularly.

What to Remember About Coffee and Tea

To sum up:

• Both coffee and tea are safe for your heart and may offer benefits—especially when consumed regularly as part of a balanced diet.
• Avoid unfiltered or boiled coffee (like French press or Turkish coffee), since these can raise your LDL cholesterol levels. Stick with filtered brews.
• If you add sugar to your coffee, choose low-calorie or low-fat options.
• Your personal health status, genetics, and lifestyle also matter—so consider those along with your daily brew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does coffee really raise blood pressure?

For people who don’t usually drink coffee, two cups may raise blood pressure by 2–3 mm Hg. But for regular coffee drinkers, this effect is minimal or nonexistent. Long-term studies show no link between habitual coffee consumption and hypertension.

Can coffee cause heart attacks?

For most people, the risk is very small. Sedentary individuals with existing heart disease risk factors may experience a slight increase in heart attack risk after drinking coffee if they’re not used to it—but this is not common. Genetics, like slow caffeine metabolism, can also play a minor role.

Is filtered coffee better for your heart?

Yes. Unfiltered coffee (such as French press or boiled coffee) contains oils that can raise LDL and total cholesterol. Filtered coffee removes these compounds, making it a better choice for heart health.

How much tea should I drink for heart benefits?

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

Is decaf coffee safer for the heart?

Not necessarily. Large studies show no difference in heart disease risk between regular and decaf coffee. Both appear neutral to positive when consumed habitually.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Heart-Healthy Sipping

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend for a smooth, balanced cup that highlights chocolate and caramel notes—perfect with or without milk. Their Ethiopia Humbera single origin offers bright citrus and floral tones, ideal for those who enjoy a lighter, more nuanced brew. For something richer, the PWN Golden Mandheling delivers full body with hints of maple and spice. All three are excellent choices for regular, heart-friendly enjoyment. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.