You may be familiar with the fact coffee has an impact on your heart health — kind of. We’re aware of the plethora of reasons coffee is actually good for you (you know, beyond just the energy hit). But what you might not know is that when it comes to coffee, it’s indicative of your heart health — or, more accurately, your coffee order is.
Keen for a milky cappuccino? Or maybe you just prefer a black coffee. Perhaps you just go all out and order a shot of espresso. It turns out that it’s not the amount of sleep (or lack thereof) that dictates the order, or not even your sweet tooth
In fact, a “world-first” study out of the University of South Australia found causal genetic evidence that cardio health — as reflected in blood pressure and heart rate — influences coffee consumption.
According to the findings, those with high blood pressure, angina and arrhythmia were more likely to drink less coffee, decaffeinated coffee, or even avoid it altogether, in comparison to those without such symptoms. Sounds kind of obvious, but it turns out that this is all based on genetics.
The lead researcher in the study, Professor Elina Hyppönen, says it’s a positive finding that shows our genetics actively regulate the amount of coffee we drink — and, according to her, our genetics will protect us from consuming too much.
“People subconsciously self-regulate safe levels of caffeine based on how high their blood pressure is, and this is likely a result of a protective genetic mechanism.
“What this means is that someone who drinks a lot of coffee is likely more genetically tolerant of caffeine, as compared to someone who drinks very little,” explains Professor Hyppönen.
Or as she says, if your body is telling you not to drink that extra cup of coffee — then don’t. There’s likely a reason why, and your body is more in tune with your health than you think it is.
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