Coffee Consumption Guidance

Most adults can safely drink up to five 8-ounce cups of black coffee per day, and regular consumption may improve cardiovascular health, the American Heart Association said yesterday. An analysis of recent studies suggests that consuming about 400 milligrams of caffeine daily may lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and heart failure. However, because most research is observational, scientists are still unsure why caffeine may benefit heart health. Some studies suggest antioxidants in coffee help reduce inflammation, indicating not all caffeine sources offer the same effects. Synthetic caffeine products, such as energy drinks, have been linked to a higher risk of high blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms. Coffee's benefits also diminish when sugar and high-fat creamers are added.  Brewing methods may matter, too. Cardiovascular benefits have been linked most strongly to paper-filtered or instant coffee. Unfiltered methods, including French press and espresso, retain cafestol, a natural compound that can raise artery-clogging cholesterol.