Key takeaway:
- Most adults can safely engage in coffee consumption of up to five cups of black coffee, equal to about 400 milligrams of caffeine, each day without increasing their risk of heart disease.
- Black coffee may support heart health, while added sugar, syrups and cream can reduce its benefits.
- High-caffeine energy drinks and unfiltered coffee may increase heart risks, and caffeine tolerance varies by individual.
Most adults can safely maintain a level of coffee consumption of up to five cups of black coffee, or about 400 milligrams of caffeine, each day without raising their risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a new American Heart Association scientific statement published July 20 in Circulation.
AHA review finds moderate coffee intake supports heart health
The American Heart Association reviewed the latest evidence on coffee and cardiovascular health and concluded that moderate coffee consumption does not increase the risk of heart disease for most healthy adults. The findings apply primarily to black coffee with little or no added sugar, flavored syrups or high-calorie creamers.
Researchers said coffee consumed in this form was associated with a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, heart failure and some irregular heart rhythms. However, they cautioned that adding large amounts of sugar and dairy products may reduce or offset these potential health benefits by increasing calorie intake.
The statement was published July 20 in the peer-reviewed journal Circulation.
Experts warn against high-caffeine energy drinks
The review distinguishes coffee from highly caffeinated energy drinks, which may pose cardiovascular risks when consumed in large amounts.
“High doses of caffeine, such as those found in energy drinks including energy shots, may have harmful effects on the heart and should be avoided,” said Dr. Gregory M. Marcus, professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine and chair of the American Heart Association’s scientific statement writing group.
According to the review, excessive caffeine intake from energy drinks may increase the risk of high blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms. Researchers noted that some energy drink shots contain three to four times more caffeine per fluid ounce than regular brewed coffee.
The review also found that unfiltered coffee, including espresso, French press, Turkish coffee and boiled coffee, contains compounds linked to higher levels of low-density lipoprotein, commonly known as “bad” cholesterol.
Researchers say individual responses still vary
The authors emphasized that coffee consumption is only one source of caffeine, as tea, soft drinks, and chocolate also contribute to total daily intake and should be considered when monitoring overall levels.
Marcus said people respond differently to caffeine depending on age, genetics, medications, existing medical conditions and how quickly their bodies metabolize caffeine.
“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,” Marcus said.
The authors said additional research is needed to better understand how caffeine from different dietary sources affects individuals across different populations and health conditions.
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