Coffee, fast but short-term impact
Coffee has long been a familiar drink of many Vietnamese people. However, caffeine in coffee can cause temporary increases in blood pressure, even in healthy people. The reason is that caffeine stimulates the nervous system, causing blood vessels to constrict, heart rate increase and high blood pressure.
According to experts, the safe consumption is usually about 400mg of caffeine per day, equivalent to two to three cups of coffee. Drinking at this level is generally not harmful. Some studies even show that maintaining the habit of drinking 2-3 cups of coffee per day can help reduce the risk of high blood pressure in healthy adults.
Dr. Qin Rao, a cardiologist at Johns Hopkins University (USA), commented: "Coffey can cause blood pressure to increase in a short time, but there is currently no evidence that it causes chronic hypertension if used in moderation".
Tea, drinks that help lower blood pressure
Unlike coffee, tea, especially green tea, has been shown to be beneficial for blood pressure and cardiovascular health. Green tea is rich in antioxidants that help fight free radicals, improve endothelial function (the lining of blood vessels) and support vasopressure. When blood vessels are relaxed, blood circulates more easily without creating pressure, thereby helping to lower blood pressure.
Some epidemiological studies show that people who regularly drink green tea have a lower risk of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular complications. Therefore, maintaining the habit of drinking 1-2 cups of green tea per day is recommended as a simple but effective measure to protect the heart.
Water, maintains blood pressure balance
Unlike coffee or tea, water does not cause direct changes in blood pressure, but plays an important role in keeping blood pressure stable. When the body is dehydrated, the concentration of sodium in the blood increases, stimulating the hormone vasopressin to constrict blood vessels and cause blood pressure to increase. On the other hand, losing too much water can also lead to low blood pressure due to reduced circulation volume.
Drinking 6 - 8 glasses of water a day helps maintain the necessary fluid intake, prevents dehydration and keeps blood pressure within a healthy range. In particular, in a hot and humid environment like Vietnam, adequate water supplementation needs to be paid more attention.
Dr. Rao emphasizes: A reasonable diet, moderate coffee, regular green tea and enough water is a simple way to support blood pressure control and prevent cardiovascular disease.
Choosing a daily drink has a significant impact on blood pressure and overall health. People with cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure or are receiving medication should consult a doctor to adjust the appropriate amount of coffee, tea and water.
