One of the most popular drinks across the world could actually have a surprising health benefit, as medical experts have uncovered that it can reduce the risk of developing a dangerous heart condition by over a third if you drink it regularly.
People rely on a wide range of drinks every single day, from the people that only consume water to those that can't start their day without a caffeine-filled energy drink to perk them up.
Coffee is undoubtedly one of the most popular across the world though, as there are countless individuals that can't start their day without having some of the brew, regardless of whether it's strong or sweet.
While it might seem harmless in moderation, some doctors have revealed the shocking impact on your body that coffee can have when you stop drinking it, yet it also comes with one surprising health benefit that could help you out in the long term.
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A new scientific study has discovered that coffee drinkers can develop a form of protection against a dangerous and common heart rhythm disorder, linking the caffeinated drink to a lower risk of atrial fibrillation.
This development goes against common conception amongst doctors, as they typically advise people to stay away from caffeine-filled drinks due to the fear that it will trigger or accelerate symptoms, but these new results suggest that coffee could actually do the opposite.
Atrial fibrillation is a condition that results in an accelerated and irregular heartbeat, and can even lead to heart failure or strokes down the line, but as part of the new study scientists tested 200 individuals with the condition in conjunction with their coffee-drinking habits.
The participants were split into two separate groups, with one drinking one cup of caffeinated coffee or espresso shot every single day for six months, and the other abstaining from any from of caffeine — both coffee and other products.
Results from this study indicated that the former group – those who drank coffee every day – had a 39 percent lower risk of recurrent atrial fibrillation episodes, suggesting that regular intake of the drink actually helps fight against the condition.
Gregory Marcus, senior author of the paper and cardiologist at the University of California, San Francisco, estimates that "coffee increases physical activity which is known to reduce atrial fibrillation," adding that "caffeine is also a diuretic, which could potentially reduce blood pressure and in turn lessen atrial fibrillation risk."
Fellow study author Christopher Wong called the results "astounding," explaining that "doctors have always recommended that patients with problematic atrial fibrillation minimize their coffee intake, but this trial suggests that coffee is not only safe but likely to be protective."