(Des Moines) Drinking up to five cups of caffeinated coffee each day is safe for most adults and may help lower the risk of several serious health conditions, according to new guidance from the American Heart Association.
The organization says moderate coffee consumption, or about 400 milligrams of caffeine per day, has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, heart failure and type 2 diabetes.
However, those potential benefits generally apply to black, paper-filtered or instant coffee. Adding large amounts of sugar, flavored syrups or heavy cream can increase calorie intake and offset some of coffee’s possible health benefits.
The guidance also warns that the five-cup recommendation does not apply to highly concentrated caffeine products. Energy drinks and caffeine shots may raise blood pressure and increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm.
The AHA says caffeine affects everyone differently and that these guidelines are not always applicable.
