As is true for most Americans, your morning usually starts with a cup of coffee – and not just for its caffeine boost: new research indicates it may also benefit your heart health. In 2018, JACC: Electrophysiology published research showing that those who consumed three or more cups per day had reduced arrhythmia risk – an irregular heartbeat condition; while 2016 European Journal of Nutrition review linked moderate coffee consumption with reduced risks associated with type 2 diabetes which can lead to heart disease and other serious medical problems.

Circulation published a 2021 study which followed over 350,000 adults without existing heart conditions for 10 years, and found those who consumed two to three cups of ground, instant or decaffeinated coffee per day had significantly lower risks of heart disease, coronary heart disease, stroke and premature death than those who didn’t drink coffee regularly.

Coffee’s polyphenols may help prevent blood clots and reduce both blood pressure and cholesterol, while its vitamin content – specifically B2-riboflavin-, B3-niacin and B5-pantothenic acid- can lower your blood sugar levels while helping balance out your cholesterol. Researchers caution that coffee should not replace other heart-healthy practices like exercise, diet and sleep for optimal heart health.

However, Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital cardiologist Kunal Karmali cautions us not to confuse associations with causation. “People may assume a single food or beverage can make or break your heart health,” says Kunal Karmali. However, daily habits make up our lifestyle and it may be hard to identify just one that could have an immediate and significant effect on heart health.

Simply stated, moderate coffee intake appears to be linked with improved cardiovascular health and reduced risks associated with heart diseases. But it is important to keep in mind that other foods can offer similar or even greater health benefits and focus on choosing whole and nutritious options low in sodium and saturated fat content.

However, it’s also important to remember that coffee may cause stomach distress for some individuals and if you already suffer from conditions that affect heartbeat (such as atrial fibrillation or obstructive sleep apnea) you should limit or stop drinking coffee altogether. As an alternative, green or black tea are healthier choices that may offer similar heart-health benefits and be less likely to trigger palpitations episodes for some.