Drinking tea and coffee could be good for the heart, research suggests.
Scientists have identified how caffeine could boost health in people suffering with problems with the immune system. Tests on study participants with the condition lupus found those who consumed caffeine had better heart health, measured by analysing the state of key endothelial cells.
The study suggest that caffeine - present in coffee, tea, and cocoa - could activel help endothelial progenitor cells. These are the group of cells that helps regenerate the lining of blood vessels and help protect against stroke and heart attack. They are also important for healthy wound healing.
Study leader Dr Fulvia Ceccarelli said: "Besides the well-known stimulant effect on the body, caffeine also exerts an anti-inflammatory effect because it binds with the receptors expressed on the surface of immune cells. The effect of caffeine consumption on cardiovascular health has been widely investigated, with conflicting results."
Previous research has indicated caffeine can boost health in some ways but too much can be harmful. Also adding sugar and milk to tea and coffee could counteract any benefits. However the research team wanted to investigate exactly how caffeine could be having beneficial effects. Scientists from Sapienza University of Rome enrolled 31 lupus patients who completed a seven-day food questionnaire before giving samples of blood for analysis.
Lupus occurs when the immune system, which normally helps protect the body from infection and disease, attacks its own tissues. Patients with such autoimmune conditions, which also include , are at higher risk of vascular disease, heart attack and stroke because of this damage to blood vessels.
The study, published in the journal Rheumatology, found that patients who consumed caffeine had better vascular health, as measured through protective endothelial cells, which form the important inner layer of blood vessels. Dr Ceccarelli said: "The present study is an attempt to provide patients with information on the possible role of diet in controlling the disease. It will be necessary to confirm the results through a longitudinal study, aimed at assessing the real impact of coffee consumption on the disease course."
Lupus causes inflammation, and in some cases permanent tissue damage, which can affect the skin, joints, heart, lung, kidneys, circulating blood cells, and brain. Symptoms can include fatigue, skin rashes, joint pain, , swollen glands, depression as well as hair and weight loss.
