Drinking four cups of coffee a day could help protect cardiovascular cells from damage, according to a new study out of Germany.
The study, published in PLOS Biology, was conducted by researchers from the IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine in Düsseldorf, Germany.
It found that caffeine may improve the health of cells lining the arteries and veins, according to The Independent newspaper in Great Britain.
Researchers noted that drinking coffee or other caffeinated beverages, could be particularly helpful for the elderly because they are more at risk of heart problems., the newspaper said.
It reportedly induces the movement of a protein called p27, which ultimately leads to the protection of heart muscle cells and helps repair of damaged heart muscle, The Independent reported.
"Our results indicate a new mode of action for caffeine, one that promotes protection and repair of heart muscle through the action of mitochondrial p27," said study author Professor Judith Haendeler.
"These results should lead to better strategies for protecting heart muscle from damage, including consideration of coffee consumption or caffeine as an additional dietary factor in the elderly population."
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