Three coffees a day can beat heart disease

THREE coffees a day helps clear the arteries and could help beat heart disease, according to a new study.

Scientists at the University of Sao Paulo took dietary information and coronary artery calcium (CAC) readings from more than 4,400 people, nearly all of whom drank coffee.

They found those who drank more coffee had a lower CAC reading, meaning they had fewer calcium deposits in their arteries, allowing better blood flow.

However, the researchers suggested an intake limit of three cups as more could be harmful. “Other studies have shown excessive consumption may not bring health benefits,” Andreia Miranda, the study author, said. “In our research, we found that habitual consumption of more than three cups a day of coffee decreased odds of coronary calcification.”

The study was published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

Scientists believe the antioxidant plant compounds in coffee may be responsible for some of the benefits as decaffeinated coffee has a similar impact, suggesting caffeine is not responsible for the benefits.

The European Food Safety Agency says adults should have no more than four cups of coffee daily.

Those who ignore the limits run the risk of health problems, from anxiety to heart failure. And the NHS warned that too much caffeine can lead to miscarriages and birth defects.