Do you suffer from high blood pressure? Are you looking for a way to enjoy a healthier cup of coffee while managing your condition? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll show you the best types of coffee for high blood pressure and provide helpful tips on how to brew the perfect cup.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a medical condition in which the force of the blood pushing against vessel walls is too high. Several factors, including genetics, environment, diet, lifestyle choices, overweight or obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption, can cause it. Symptoms of high blood pressure include chest pain, headaches, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
Coffee has been linked to several health benefits. However, it can also affect your blood pressure levels if consumed excessively. Studies have shown that drinking two or more cups of caffeinated coffee daily can double the risk of dying from a heart attack, stroke or other type of cardiovascular disease for people with severely high blood pressure. On the other hand, prior research suggests that drinking one cup of caffeinated coffee daily may help people lower their death risk following a heart attack and help prevent heart attacks and strokes in healthy adults.
So what are the best types of coffee for high blood pressure? Let’s take a look.
Best Types of Coffee for High Blood Pressure
The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology define high blood pressure as a systolic (“top”) reading of 130 mmHg or higher or a diastolic (“bottom”) reading of 80 mmHg or higher. To reduce your risk of developing hypertension, choosing the right types of coffee is important. Here are some great options:
- Decaf Coffee: Decaffeinated coffee is an excellent option for people with high blood pressure because it contains virtually no caffeine (less than 2 mg per 8 ounces). It still has all the same great flavor and aroma as regular coffee without all the associated risks.
- Coffee Creamer: Coffee creamer is another great choice for people with high BP because it’s caffeine-free and contains few calories. Add non-dairy creamer to your favorite cup for a creamy texture without sugar or fat.
- Coffee Substitute: Coffee substitutes are made from natural ingredients like grains, nuts, and herbs with similar flavors and aromas to real coffee. They don’t contain any caffeine but still have that same rich flavor you love.
- Black Coffee: If you want an even healthier option, try black coffee. This coffee type is made without additives or creamers, containing less than 5 calories per cup. Plus, it has just 2 mg of caffeine per 8 ounces – much less than regular coffee – so it won’t raise your blood pressure levels as much.
Caffeine and High Blood Pressure Symptoms
Now that we’ve covered the best types of coffee for people with high BP let’s talk about how caffeine affects this condition. As mentioned above, drinking two or more cups of caffeinated coffee daily can double the risk of dying from a heart attack, stroke or other type of cardiovascular disease for people with severely high blood pressure. According to the Food and Drug Administration, an 8-ounce cup of coffee has 80 to 100 milligrams of caffeine. An 8-ounce green or black tea has 30 to 50 mg of caffeine.
So how long does caffeine raise your blood pressure? A study by Mayo Clinic found that drinking just one cup of caffeinated coffee raised systolic blood pressure (the top number in a reading) by 4-5 points on average within 60 minutes after consumption – but only in people who already had hypertension. However, quitting coffee didn’t seem to lower their blood pressure levels either.
Can I Drink Coffee With High Blood Pressure?
If you have high blood pressure, it is recommended that you limit or stop drinking caffeinated beverages such as coffee. However, some research suggests that coffee may lower the risk of high blood pressure in people who don’t already have it. Regular coffee drinkers with high blood pressure should be cautious and consult their doctor.
However, it’s important to note some potential risks associated with drinking too much caffeine – especially if you already have high BP levels. So if you decide to start drinking coffee again, monitor your BP readings closely and consult your doctor before making any major changes to your diet or lifestyle habits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, drinking coffee can benefit people with high BP if consumed in moderation. Decaf coffee and non-dairy creamers are excellent options for people looking for a healthier way to enjoy their morning cup without any added risks. Just monitor your BP readings closely and consult your doctor before making any major changes to your diet or lifestyle habits so you can enjoy a healthier cup every day!
FAQs
What coffee can I drink if I have high blood pressure?
People with high blood pressure should limit or stop drinking caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, and cola. Decaffeinated coffee may be an option, but limiting consumption of all caffeinated drinks to no more than 4 cups a day is best. Other tips for lowering blood pressure include reducing stress and avoiding other sources of caffeine.
Is black coffee good for high blood pressure?
Research suggests that coffee may lower the risk of high blood pressure in people who don’t already have it. However, drinking too much coffee has been shown to raise blood pressure and lead to anxiety, heart palpitations and trouble sleeping. Caffeine can cause a short but dramatic increase in blood pressure, even if you don’t have high blood pressure. Research indicates that coffee may increase blood pressure up to three hours after consumption. Still, a 2017 review found that increased coffee consumption is associated with a small decrease in hypertension.
Is decaf coffee better for high blood pressure?
Studies have shown that drinking decaffeinated coffee can lead to a small decrease in blood pressure in normotensive adults and is generally considered safe for those with high blood pressure. However, some research suggests that decaffeinated coffee can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease, particularly in those with a high rate of caffeine metabolism.
Will quitting coffee lower blood pressure?
Quitting caffeine can lower blood pressure and take pressure off of your heart. However, research on the link between coffee and hypertension is ongoing. Caffeine may cause a short-term increase in blood pressure even if you don’t have high blood pressure.
