Coffee is one of the world’s most popular drinks, and for many people it is the main source of caffeine.
Caffeine is a natural stimulant that helps people feel more awake and alert. While many enjoy coffee every day, questions have remained about whether it is good or bad for heart health.
A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association reviewed the latest research on caffeine and cardiovascular disease.
The report was published in the journal Circulation and examined studies on coffee, tea, energy drinks and other sources of caffeine.
The experts found that, for most healthy adults, consuming up to 400 milligrams of caffeine each day appears to be safe.
This amount is roughly equal to three to five 8-ounce cups of regular black coffee, although the exact amount varies depending on how the coffee is prepared.
The review also found that drinking plain coffee without large amounts of sugar, flavored syrups or cream may be linked to a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, heart failure, type 2 diabetes and atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder. Scientists believe these benefits may come not only from caffeine but also from natural compounds in coffee that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
However, the researchers stressed that not all caffeinated products have the same effects. Energy drinks and concentrated energy shots often contain much higher levels of caffeine in a much smaller volume. They may also contain other ingredients that increase caffeine absorption and place extra stress on the heart.
According to the review, high doses of caffeine from energy drinks were linked with higher blood pressure and a greater risk of abnormal heart rhythms. Young adults may also be affected, even if they have no known heart disease.
The report explains that caffeine is processed by the liver, but people break it down at different speeds. Age, genetics, medicines and previous caffeine use all affect how strongly a person responds. Some people may feel fine after several cups of coffee, while others develop palpitations, anxiety or trouble sleeping after much smaller amounts.
The review also found that brewing methods matter. Unfiltered coffee, such as French press, Turkish coffee and some espresso drinks, contains higher amounts of cafestol, a natural compound that can raise LDL, or bad cholesterol. Filtered coffee made with paper filters removes most of this compound.
The authors said more clinical trials are needed because many existing studies only show associations rather than proving cause and effect. They also want more research on tea, energy drinks and caffeine supplements, which have been studied less than coffee.
Review and analysis: This statement is based on a broad review of existing evidence rather than one single experiment, making it useful for summarizing current knowledge. The findings support moderate coffee drinking for most adults while warning against highly concentrated caffeine products.
However, individual responses differ, so people with heart conditions, pregnancy, anxiety or sleep problems should discuss caffeine intake with their healthcare provider.
If you care about health, please read studies that herbal supplements could harm your heart rhythm, and how eating eggs can help reduce heart disease risk.
For more health information, please see recent studies that apple juice could benefit your heart health, and results showing yogurt may help lower the death risks in heart disease.
