Whenever someone’s blood pressure is low, doctors advise him to drink coffee. Coffee can increase systolic blood pressure by 8 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 6 mm Hg. But does it work the same way for everyone? Let us know in this article-
A cup of coffee can give a kick to your morning. Can improve your mood and keep you from sleep. When you feel tired even while working in the office, you crave for coffee. But do you know that coffee can also be helpful in increasing low blood pressure. We often like to drink coffee (coffee in low BP) when BP is low. But how much coffee is safe for a normal person to drink in a day? How long does the effect of coffee increase blood pressure last? And does it also pose a risk of high blood pressure? Let us know in this article of Health Shots.
Connection of coffee and blood pressure (coffee in low bp)
Coffee in low bp is a popular option for low blood pressure. Consumption of caffeine present in coffee can increase the heartbeat and blood pressure for some time. However, if you drink several cups of coffee every day, it also increases the risk of high blood pressure.
Also note that coffee or tea does not have the same effect on everyone. This means that not every coffee drinker will have the same results in terms of blood pressure. Therefore, it is very important to understand how to drink coffee for blood pressure, how much to drink, and when to check the results.
When is it considered low blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the force with which blood passes through our arteries. It is usually measured in two levels –
- Systolic pressure: This is high blood pressure, which occurs when the ventricles of the heart contract.
- Diastolic pressure: This is low blood pressure, which occurs just before the ventricles contract.
According to the US National Institutes of Health, normal blood pressure is usually less than 120/80 mm Hg.
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Low blood pressure:
When your blood pressure is less than 90/60 mm Hg, it is called low blood pressure. When you have low blood pressure, your body reacts in a certain way. It is important to recognize the signs of low blood pressure.
Coffee and Blood Pressure: Is It Really Helpful?
It is believed that coffee helps in increasing blood pressure. If you have low blood pressure, coffee can make you feel better immediately.
However, there is still no consensus on the relationship between caffeine intake and blood pressure. The effect on blood pressure may be different from person to person. Especially among regular coffee drinkers and occasional drinkers. A study published in “Nutrients” found that drinking two to three cups of coffee can increase systolic blood pressure by -14 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by -13 mmHg.
This study also shows that consumption of coffee helps in opening the blood vessels, allowing blood flow easily.
Benefits of drinking coffee for blood pressure (Coffee benefits in low blood pressure)
1. It increases blood pressure immediately
Coffee can help increase blood pressure temporarily. One study reported that 200–300 mg of caffeine, which is about 1.5 to 2 cups of coffee, could increase systolic blood pressure by 8 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 6 mm Hg. This effect lasts for three hours after consumption.
2. Reduces the risk of hypertension
Hypertension is a health problem caused by high blood pressure. It is also called silent killer because it has no symptoms. One study examined the relationship between coffee consumption and the risk of hypertension. It was observed that women who drank more than 6 cups of coffee a day had 33% less risk of hypertension than those who drank light coffee.
3. Antioxidants and Bioactive Compounds
These antioxidants and bioactive compounds help reduce blood pressure, as well as maintain overall health. Chlorogenic acid is a compound that is responsible for reducing blood pressure. When this acid is produced by the microbiota present in the intestines, it is broken down into metabolites. This process helps reduce blood pressure, according to this study published in “Nutrients”.
4. Better for heart health
It can improve insulin sensitivity, which helps in controlling blood sugar levels which can reduce blood pressure. Coffee also has anti-inflammatory properties, which are beneficial for heart health. A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology suggests that people who regularly drink two to three cups of coffee have a lower risk of heart problems.
5. No long term side effects
High blood pressure after caffeine consumption is due to disruption of hormones, which help dilate your blood vessels and reduce blood pressure. This increase occurs only for a short period of time and has no long-term effect. It is not associated with cases of high blood pressure.
So if you have high blood pressure, you do not need to stop consuming coffee completely.
However, these effects are not seen in every coffee drinker. Some people may feel discomfort, while others may not. Some people may report that their blood pressure is affected in a particular way and others may not. Drinking coffee also has many other benefits, such as keeping you active, improving your physical performance, and maintaining weight. To understand the benefits of coffee, see how it helps your body.
Coffee for Blood Pressure: How Much Should You Drink? (How much coffee is safe for low BP)
In general, it is safe for an adult to consume about 400 mg/day of caffeine. This is equivalent to 3-4 cups of coffee per day. “Caffeine has a direct effect on the heart, but this is still being studied and more research is needed. Therefore, it is better to take it in appropriate quantities and avoid caffeine if there is any problem,” advises Goyal.
How long does it take to raise blood pressure? (how long does caffeine raise your blood pressure)
Coffee may take about 30 minutes to show an effect on blood pressure. Its effects peak within one to two hours and can last up to four hours, according to a study published in “Annals of Pharmacotherapy.”
Which coffee is best for BP? (which coffee is best for low blood pressure)
Both black coffee and coffee with milk are beneficial for blood pressure. Choosing black coffee or coffee with milk depends on you. If you talk about drinking coffee during the day, black coffee is low-calorie. If you are trying to lose weight and do not want to give up morning coffee, then this would be the best option for you.
At the same time, coffee with milk contains good amount of fat, calcium and vitamin D, which provides calories and nutrients. If you have high blood pressure, drinking decaffeinated coffee may be a better option for you. Check out some tips to make your coffee healthier.
What are other drinks for blood pressure? (Other options to increase BP)
In addition to caffeine, many herbal teas may help lower blood pressure. Herbal teas like hibiscus tea and chamomile tea can reduce blood pressure. However, more research is going on on a large scale to validate it. If you have any heart problem, it is important to consult your dietitian and doctor before starting to consume these teas.
remember
There is no one-cup solution for blood pressure. Although it is proven that caffeine affects blood pressure, the situation is still unclear, and more research is needed. Therefore, it is best to consume any caffeinated beverages in moderation and according to your needs, along with a healthy and balanced diet that can help prevent high blood pressure.
If your blood pressure is becoming high or low regularly, it is very important to consult your doctor. While coffee can be an effective home remedy for high blood pressure, frequent cases will require medication.
Also read – International Coffee Day 2024: Celebrate Coffee Day with these 4 coffee smoothies