Resting heart rate refers to the rate at which your heart beats when you're at rest as opposed to when you're doing an activity. In general, normal heart rate ranges between 60 and 100 beats per minute, but it may be as low as 40 beats per minute in well-trained athletes, states MayoClinic.com. It's best to measure your heart rate first thing in the morning, as several factors can affect it including activity --- and food.
Coffee and Tea
Coffee and tea contain caffeine, which is a stimulant and diuretic. While the occasional cup of coffee or tea may not affect your heart rate, drinking too much of these beverages can. According to MedlinePlus.com, excessive caffeine intake increases heart rate, and 10 cups of coffee in one day qualifies as "excessive caffeine intake." One cup of coffee contains approximately 60 to 200 mg of caffeine and one cup of black tea contains 40 to 120 mg. Drink no more than three cups of coffee or four cups of black tea daily.
Energy Drinks
These beverages contain high amounts of caffeine and taurine to boost alertness and energy. Both of these ingredients increase heart rate to a level that's potentially dangerous in people who have heart disease or high blood pressure. In a study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2007, researchers analyzed the effect of drinking energy drinks containing 80 mg of caffeine and 1,100 mg of taurine for seven days. Heart rate increased by 7 percent on the first day and by 11 percent by day seven.
Ginger
Ginger, or zingiber officinale, is an aromatic herb that's a popular ingredient in many dishes. It increases heart rate, respiration rate and blood pressure. However, there's evidence that ginger's effect on the heart isn't necessarily bad. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce blood cholesterol levels, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. They recommend not consuming more than 4 g of ginger per day.
Fish Oil
Fish oil, which is rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids, has anti-inflammatory properties that benefit the heart. It also reduces bad cholesterol and boosts good cholesterol levels. In a meta-analysis published in the journal "Circulation," researchers reviewed studies conducted between 1996 and 2005. They found that fish oil reduced heart rate, especially in people with higher heart rates at the beginning of the studies. Treatment with fish oil that lasted for 12 or more weeks was more effective at reducing heart rate. Fish oil is available from fatty fish or in supplement form. Consult your doctor for advice on increasing your fish intake or taking supplements to lower your heart rate.
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