Coffee Lovers Rejoice: New Guidelines Released
Coffee enthusiasts can take comfort in the fact that their beloved habit has some scientific backing.
On Monday, the American Heart Association unveiled a scientific statement that outlines the safe daily coffee consumption for most adults.
Daily Coffee Intake
The nonprofit organization pointed to recent studies that might surprise both avid coffee drinkers and those who avoid caffeine. It turns out, consuming a sizeable amount of caffeine daily may help avoid various health issues.
The American Heart Association defines more than 400 mg of caffeine each day—roughly five 8-ounce cups of black coffee—as “generally safe” for the majority of adults.
In fact, a recent randomized trial found that higher caffeine intake could be linked to a lower risk of several cardiovascular conditions, including heart failure. Caffeine may also aid in lowering blood pressure, improving heart rhythm, and even helping prevent type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and strokes.
That said, it’s important to stick with plain coffee—no added sugar, flavors, or cream.
More specifically, while caffeine intake is correlated with a reduced risk of atrial fibrillation, it may also heighten the chance of another type of arrhythmia called premature ventricular contractions.
Energy Drinks Caution
The association cautions against the excessive caffeine often found in energy drinks, which can contain between 40 to 69 mg of caffeine per fluid ounce—three to four times more than standard caffeinated coffee.
According to Dr. Gregory M. Marcus, a medicine professor at the University of California, San Francisco, “Drinking up to five cups of caffeinated coffee each day without additional sugar or fillers is safe and does not elevate the risk for cardiovascular disease.” Yet, he warns that the high doses in energy drinks can be detrimental and “should be avoided.”
Positive Health Effects
As reported previously, there are additional health benefits associated with coffee consumption. A study tracking over 400,000 individuals found that having two to three cups of coffee daily was linked to a decreased risk of mental health issues, including lower anxiety and depression rates.
However, the study also indicated that these benefits plateau around five cups—any more could lead to unwanted effects.
