Researchers from the State University of New York and the City University of New York report that men and women over the age of 65 who drink four or more caffeinated beverages every day may have a lower risk of heart disease.
Researchers recruited over 6500 men and women between the ages of 32 and 86, using data from the 1971-1973 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES I) and follow up until 1992.
Intake of caffeinated beverages, including coffee, tea, cola and chocolate was calculated from food frequency questionnaires.
The findings suggest that participants 65 years or older who had four or more servings of caffeinated beverages had a reduced risk of heart disease by 53 percent.
No significant effect was seen for participants with existing hypertension, or for participants younger than 65 years of age.
While these findings are encouraging, researchers warn that this study does not provide a valid basis for recommending increased caffeine consumption.
The findings were published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
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