How Much Coffee Is Too Much?

The Basics

WHAT: Summary of a few large studies showing the health benefits of drinking  coffee, within reason.

SOURCE: Based on The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition research.

GREAT FOR: Coffee Drinkers, Energy Boost, Wellness, Nutrition, Overall Health

About

First of all: Coffee is good for you—within reason

“Coffee is one of the most researched substances on the planet and has been linked to a ton of health benefits,” says dietitian Scott Keatley, RD. Who does not like morning coffee? Question about getting coffee machine or not? Or simply searching for the new coffee house town?

A cup of brewed coffee actually contains about 1.8 grams of fibre, a nutrient that helps you feel fuller for longer and has been shown to help decrease risk of certain cancers.

Thanks to some of these effects, coffee can help you crush it in the gym. In fact, caffeinated coffee has long been studied for its performance-boosting abilities, especially in endurance events. Over time, drinking coffee may even contribute to your long-term health. “Studies have linked coffee with decreased risk of Parkinson’s disease, type 2 diabetes, and liver disease”, says dietitian Sonya Angelone, RD, a spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Also, coffee may also actually help you live longer. One 2018 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine,which analysed data from 500,000 people in the UK, connected coffee consumption with longevity benefits. People who had one cup of coffee per day had an 8 percent lower risk of dying early, while people who drank six to seven cups of coffee had a 16 percent lower risk.

Different brands and varieties of coffee pack different amounts of caffeine. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, an eight-ounce cup of regular coffee can contain anywhere from 95 to 200 milligrams of caffeine. (the same serving of decaf typically ranges between two and 15 milligrams, while a shot of espresso averages about 63 milligrams.) So whether or not, say, three cups of coffee a day might be too much really depends on the caffeine content in your particular brew.

In the short-term, drinking too much coffee (and caffeine) can cause jitters, an upset stomach, diarrhoea, and an increased heart rate.

In the long run, consistently drinking too much coffee can even increase your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. According to a The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition study published earlier this year, people who consistently drank six or more cups of coffee per day had a 22 percent increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to people who had just a cup or two.

Ultimately, though everyone handles coffee a little differently. And, as with everything, listen to your body: It’s important to monitor your caffeine intake to ensure it remains at levels your mind and body tolerate.