Coffee does not clog your arteries, but drinking large quantities is associated with mildly elevated cholesterol levels in some people. Clogged arteries are cause by high levels of cholesterol, commonly found in animal fat. When drunk in moderation, coffee has health benefits that outweigh its risks for most people. Consult your doctor about a healthy diet for clogged arteries.
Coffee and Arteries
Coffee is not the major factor in clogged arteries for most people. However, there is an association between drinking large amounts of unfiltered coffee and mildly elevated cholesterol levels, according to MayoClinic.com. Additionally, some people with a somewhat common genetic mutation that slows the breakdown of caffeine in the body may have an increased risk of heart disease if they drink more than two cups of coffee per day.
About Clogged Arteries
Clogged arteries result from a buildup of cholesterol in your blood, which increases your risk for heart disease and stroke. Clogged arteries make it difficult for blood to flow through them. This condition deprives the heart of oxygen-rich blood. According to the American Heart Association, your diet, weight, the amount of exercise you get and your level of exposure to tobacco smoke are key factors impacting your cholesterol level. To manage cholesterol, eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish, avoid saturated fats, exercise every day and quit smoking. Do not drink more than two cups of coffee per day if you are concerned about its effects on your cholesterol levels.
Coffee Benefits
Coffee has health benefits that outweigh its risks for most people, according to MayoClinic.com. It might help protect you from Parkinson's disease, liver cancer and type 2 diabetes. Additionally, coffee is rich in antioxidants that fight free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that attack cells and might lead to cancer.
Coffee Risks
Drinking too much coffee can cause insomnia, anxiety, irritability, a racing heartbeat and restlessness in some people. If you suspect that coffee is negatively affecting your health, cut back or eliminate it from your diet. Additionally, adding heavy cream to your coffee adds saturated fat to your diet. Saturated fat is one source of cholesterol. Drink black coffee instead for a more heart-healthy version.
