Experts have confirmed that drinking up to five cups of coffee a day is safe for heart health, according to the American Heart Association. The organization states that consuming up to 400mg of caffeine per day is safe for most adults and may even be linked to better heart health. This amounts to around five cups of coffee.
Cardiovascular Benefits and Risks
Gregory M. Marcus, co-author of the study and professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, added that the number of cups “without added sugar or fillers is safe and does not increase cardiovascular risk.” According to the research, five cups have also been linked to a lower risk of several cardiovascular conditions, such as heart failure, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, and Type 2 diabetes in some individuals.
The lowest mortality risk was observed at moderate intake levels, between two and four cups per day, Euro News reports. While caffeine is not entirely bad for you, excess consumption can cause increased heart rate, heart palpitations, or a temporary rise in blood pressure.
Individual Factors and Other Sources
Professor Marcus highlighted that it is not a one-size-fits-all scenario with coffee consumption, as different factors such as genetics, metabolism, age, and past intake affect how individuals process caffeine. He said: “Although research suggests that caffeine consumption may be associated with certain cardiovascular benefits for some people, it’s important to remember that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ strategy for safe caffeine consumption. What may be a reasonable amount for one person could cause unwanted effects, such as heart palpitations, anxiety or sleep disruption, in another.”
It is also important to note that other sources, such as tea, chocolate, fizzy drinks, and medications, contribute to daily caffeine intake. The authors of the study say that more research is needed on caffeine intake from other sources. Additionally, adding large amounts of sugar, flavored syrups, and dairy products to coffee can increase calorie intake and counteract potential health benefits.
