The per capita consumption of coffee by Americans is approximately 10 pounds per year. This trend does not take into account other caffeine containing beverages like tea, chocolate and soft drinks. Does this have any affect on blood pressure? “It’s been known for many years that even one cup of coffee increases the stress hormone epinephrine and causes blood pressure to rise, but it’s been thought to be only a temporary effect. Two recent meta-analyses (combining several studies to analyze a specific problem) have looked at coffee and caffeine intake and have concluded that they do result in higher blood pressures. The rise is modest but significant.” (Making Healthy Choices Newsletter Issue #45). So if you or someone you know has or seeks to prevent hypertension, stay away from all caffeine. It’s the wise thing to do! Remember, Proverbs 1:5 – “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels.”