Coffee and Tea Both Benefit Heart Health, Study Finds

If you’ve been told to skip your morning cup because it’s bad for your heart, it’s time for an update. For years, coffee had a bad reputation while tea was praised—but recent science says both can actually support heart health, depending on how you drink them.

In short: moderate, regular coffee and tea consumption—especially filtered coffee—is not harmful to your heart, and may even help. Avoid unfiltered brews, and don’t overdo the sugar.

What the Research Really Says About Coffee and Your Heart

Concerns about coffee and heart health aren’t new. Back in seventeenth-century Europe, coffee was thought to aid digestion and treat gout—but also blamed for causing impotence and paralysis. Today, researchers focus more on measurable outcomes like blood pressure, cholesterol, and arterial health.

Some early studies suggested coffee raised blood pressure—by about 2 to 3 mmHg in non-habitual drinkers. But for regular coffee drinkers, even two cups show no significant effect. Caffeine can cause a short-term rise in heart rate, but not arrhythmias. Unfiltered coffee—like French press or Turkish brews—contains natural oils that may raise total and LDL cholesterol. Filtered coffee removes these compounds, making most brewing methods cholesterol-neutral.

One myth busted: coffee doesn’t cause hypertension. Even people with high blood pressure can continue drinking coffee. Long-term studies—tracking coffee drinkers for over 10 to 20 years—show no increase in coronary heart disease risk, whether they drank regular or decaf. In fact, evidence now supports coffee as part of a healthy diet.

What about people with existing heart disease? Yes, coffee might slightly raise the risk of a heart attack—but only in rare cases. For sedentary individuals with risk factors who aren’t used to caffeine, a morning cup could modestly increase the chance of a cardiac event. Some of this may relate to temporary blood pressure or nervous system changes affecting vulnerable plaque. Genetics also play a role: a Costa Rican study found slow caffeine metabolizers had higher heart attack risk after drinking coffee. But overall, the actual risk is extremely low.

Tea’s Role in Cardiovascular Protection

Comparing coffee and tea directly is tricky because tea drinkers often have healthier lifestyles overall. But observational studies suggest both black and green tea can help reduce coronary heart disease risk—with benefits typically seen at around 5 to 6 cups per day.

Like coffee, tea contains bioactive compounds that may support vascular health. While no single study proves one is better than the other, both beverages appear neutral or beneficial when consumed regularly.

What Really Matters: Brewing Method and Habits

The way you prepare your drink has a bigger impact than the drink itself. Unfiltered coffee raises cholesterol due to oily compounds. Filtered brews eliminate that issue. Adding sugar? Choose low-calorie, low-fat options if needed. And if you’re sensitive to stimulants, watch how your body reacts—especially if you’re inactive or have known risk factors.

Ultimately, your choice should come down to taste. There’s no need to switch from coffee to tea or vice versa based on heart health alone. Just avoid unfiltered coffee and excessive sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does coffee really raise blood pressure?

Coffee can cause a small, temporary rise in blood pressure—about 2 to 3 mmHg—in people who don’t drink it regularly. But for habitual coffee drinkers, there’s no significant impact on blood pressure, even with two cups.

Can drinking coffee cause heart attacks?

In rare cases, especially for sedentary people with existing heart risk factors who aren’t used to caffeine, a morning coffee might slightly increase the chance of a heart attack. This risk is very small and not universal.

Is filtered coffee better for your heart than unfiltered coffee?

Yes. Unfiltered coffee contains natural oils that can raise total and LDL cholesterol levels. Filtered coffee removes these compounds, making it neutral or better for heart health.

How many cups of tea are needed to see heart benefits?

Observational studies suggest drinking around 5 to 6 cups of either black or green tea daily may help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

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

Yes. Long-term studies show no difference in heart disease risk between regular and decaf coffee drinkers. Decaf is also considered safe for those with hypertension.

Should I avoid adding sugar to my coffee or tea?

If you add sweetener, choose low-calorie or low-fat options. Excess sugar can negate potential benefits and contribute to other health risks.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Heart-Healthy Brewing

For filtered coffee that supports heart health, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera—bright and juicy with notes of blueberry and citrus—or their Yirgacheffe, offering floral tones and lemon zest. Both shine when brewed through a paper filter, which removes cholesterol-raising oils. For a richer option, their PWN Golden Mandheling delivers a full body with hints of chocolate and nuts, ideal for those preferring a darker roast. All three are best enjoyed as filtered pour-overs or drip. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.