American Heart Association to coffee fans: Go ahead and have 5 cups a day (as long as you also do this)
What’s the most widely used psychoactive substance in the world? It’s not alcohol , cannabis, or nicotine. It’s caffeine. At least 85% of Americans consume some form of the entirely legal drug every day. Clearly, we’re a nation in love with our morning cup (or three) of coffee. But as common and beloved as caffeine is, it can also be controversial, with experts arguing over its health impacts and…
The American Heart Association has announced that consuming up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day, equivalent to five 8-ounce cups of coffee, is generally safe for most adults and may lower the risk of several cardiovascular conditions such as heart failure, heart disease, and stroke. However, there are two important caveats to consider.
Firstly, this recommendation does not apply universally and may not be suitable for individuals with hypertension, insomnia, or other health conditions that could be exacerbated by excessive caffeine intake. Secondly, the benefits are only applicable to those who consume their caffeine in the form of unsweetened coffee or tea, as added sugars, cream, and energy drinks can negate the positive effects on heart health.
So, for those who are otherwise healthy and avoid adding sugar or artificial ingredients to their coffee, the American Heart Association suggests savoring up to five cups a day without guilt, as it may even have heart-protective benefits.
Written by urgent.news from Fast Company's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
