Drinking tea and coffee is good for heart health

Scientists have been able to identify how caffeine can improve cardiac health in people who have problems with their immune system.

Tests on participants with the autoimmune disease lupus found those who regularly consumed caffeine had healthier hearts, according to measurements of key endothelial cells.

The results suggest that caffeine helps endothelial cells that regenerate blood vessels and protect against strokes and heart attacks.

Dr Fulvia Ceccarelli, study leader at the Sapienza University of Rome, 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 found that caffeine can improve health in some ways, although too much can be harmful while adding milk and sugar to warm beverages also negates any benefits.

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