New guidance suggests moderate caffeine consumption may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, though experts warn that individual reactions, brewing methods and existing health conditions remain important
Most healthy adults can safely consume up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day, equivalent to roughly five eight ounce cups of coffee, according to new guidance from the American Heart Association.
The findings were published in a July 20 scientific statement reviewing current research on caffeine and cardiovascular health, according to a report by The Epoch Times republished by ZeroHedge.
The association said moderate coffee consumption, particularly without added sugar or large amounts of milk, appears to be safe for most adults and may even be linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
However, researchers cautioned that much of the available evidence comes from observational studies, which can identify associations but cannot always prove that coffee itself causes better health outcomes.
The American Heart Association also warned that caffeine can affect people differently.
Some research suggests that coffee consumption may increase premature ventricular contractions, commonly described as extra heartbeats. High doses of caffeine may also cause significant increases in blood pressure, particularly among people who already suffer from hypertension.
Energy drinks, which often contain larger and more concentrated amounts of caffeine, may pose greater risks to the heart and blood vessels, the group said.
The way coffee is prepared may also influence its health effects.
Unfiltered coffee contains cafestol, a natural compound that can raise cholesterol levels. Dr. Abdulla Damluji, an interventional cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic who was not involved in preparing the statement, advised people concerned about cholesterol to choose paper filtered or instant coffee rather than French press, Turkish, Greek or boiled coffee.
Researchers emphasized that the findings should not be interpreted as a recommendation for people to increase their caffeine intake.
Dr. Gregory Marcus, who chaired the volunteer group that prepared the guidance, said that consuming three to five cups may be beneficial and is unlikely to be harmful for most people, but that does not mean drinking more coffee is necessarily better than drinking one cup.
He encouraged individuals to pay attention to how their bodies respond.
A person who feels comfortable after one cup but experiences discomfort after a second cup should not increase consumption simply because moderate coffee intake has been associated with certain health benefits, he said.
The researchers called for additional studies examining caffeine separately from sugar, dairy products and other ingredients commonly found in caffeinated beverages.
They also said more research is needed to determine whether people who currently avoid coffee would gain any health benefit by beginning to drink it.
The American Heart Association has previously advised children to avoid caffeine. It has also warned that drinking two or more cups of coffee per day may increase the risk of cardiovascular death among people with severe high blood pressure.
