How many cups of coffee can you safely drink in a day? This is what a study says
· Telemundo McAllen (KTLM)
Consuming up to five cups of American coffee a day is safe for health and is associated with a lower cardiovascular risk, such as heart failure or stroke, according to a scientific statement from the American Heart Association published on Monday in the journal Circulation. The text is based on coffee measures and habits in the United States, where a cup contains about 250 milliliters of liquid. In Europe, where coffee is consumed more concentrated with less water, the safe cups of coffee for health would correspond to those made with 225 milligrams. The authors indicate that up to 400 milligrams of 'healthy' caffeine per day would be 'safe' and 'seems to be related to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease in some people.' This 'healthy' caffeine from coffee is not comparable to that found in sodas and/or energy drinks, which can increase the risk of high blood pressure or arrhythmia. The authors note that previous studies suggest that the bioactive compounds in coffee may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which could help explain some health benefits. Among other things, consuming caffeinated coffee without added sugars, flavorings, or cream is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, or heart failure. Randomized trials, the most rigorous and reliable study design, have shown that caffeine consumption in coffee is associated with a lower risk of atrial fibrillation, but also with a higher risk of premature ventricular contractions. Adding sugar, flavored syrups, milk, and/or cream to coffee likely reduces its potential health benefits. There are also randomized clinical trials concluding that cafestol, a component present in both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, is related to higher levels of low-density lipoproteins (also known as 'bad' cholesterol). Cafestol is present in unfiltered coffee (such as espresso, French press coffee, Turkish coffee, or boiled coffee), but not in coffee prepared with paper filters or instant coffee. While coffee is the main source of caffeine for most adults, tea, chocolate, sodas, energy drinks, and some medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, also contribute to total caffeine intake. How does caffeine affect the body? Caffeine consumed in coffee is metabolized in the liver and generally reaches its peak concentration in most people within an hour. The speed at which each person metabolizes caffeine depends on their genetics, metabolism, age, and prior caffeine consumption. When caffeinated coffee is consumed regularly, some people may develop tolerance to higher levels of caffeine. Others may experience more intense effects with the same amount of caffeine. Short-term effects of caffeine can include temporary increases in blood pressure, heart rate, blood sugar, and alertness, although some people may experience palpitations and sleep disturbances. According to the scientific statement, more research is needed to better understand the impact of caffeine on the body, how different sources of caffeine affect heart health, and how its impact may vary among different individuals.
AI summary · Source: Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) →
