Moderate coffee consumption has been proven to be beneficial for the human heart and vascular system. But according to researchers from the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil, drinking too much of this healthy drink increases the risk of high blood pressure in people genetically predisposed to the condition..

In their study, published in the journal Clinical Nutrition, they examined the relationship between genetic predisposition, daily coffee consumption and blood pressure and found that genetically at-risk people who consume more than three cups of coffee a day are more likely to develop hypertension..

The health benefits of drinking coffee have been debated for years.. While some studies have linked the popular morning drink to various health problems such as high blood pressure and insomnia, other studies highlight the benefits of moderate coffee consumption, which include faster metabolism and better brain function..

In a previous study, lead study author Andrei Machado Miranda found that drinking one to three cups of coffee a day helped reduce cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure and blood homocysteine \u200b\u200blevels.. This study, however, did not include a genetic analysis, which led Miranda and her colleagues to do another study to determine if coffee consumption affects blood pressure in people genetically predisposed to hypertension..

Researchers calculated genetic risk scores for 533 older adults who participated in the City of Sao Paulo Health Survey, a cross-sectional population survey conducted between 2008 and 2009. This study found no correlation between high blood pressure and drinking up to three cups of coffee a day..

The experts also looked at the participants' genetic risk estimates on four common DNA sequence variations that were previously associated with a predisposition to high blood pressure.. The more genetic variation an individual has, the higher his genetic risk.. After analyzing each participant's genetic risk score, daily coffee intake, and blood pressure, the researchers found that a high genetic risk score and high coffee intake corresponded to a greater risk of high blood pressure.. Specifically, drinking more than three cups of coffee a day quadrupled the risk of high blood pressure in genetically predisposed participants.. The researchers said these results highlight the importance of lowering coffee intake for people who have a high genetic risk of developing hypertension, a known risk factor for heart disease..

Despite their findings, Miranda says coffee continues to provide significant health benefits. When consumed in moderation, coffee can protect cells from oxidative damage and inflammation due to its rich antioxidant content. Coffee is also rich in polyphenols, in particular chlorogenic acid. This compound helps lower blood sugar levels by promoting glucose uptake into cells and increasing insulin sensitivity. Chlorogenic acid also helps regulate blood pressure. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), caffeine, a natural stimulant in coffee, may help improve mood, improve athletic performance, and reduce the risk of dementia.

Drinking coffee every day is not bad for your health as long as you consume it in moderation. As many studies show, coffee consumption should be limited to no more than three cups a day so you can enjoy your heart and other health benefits without worry..

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