The Final Verdict on Whether or Not Coffee Is Healthy For You
Many Americans start their day with a cup of coffee. In fact, the latest data from the National Coffee Association (NCA) found that 7 in 10 Americans drink the beverage every week. Around 62% report they drink coffee every single day.
With so many people drinking coffee regularly, the one question that may come to mind is likely this: "Is coffee actually healthy for you?"
Based on what the latest research shows, yes, the beverage is healthy and safe to consume in moderate amounts for most people. Some recent research even suggests the beverage can offer heart health benefits.
One study published in the European Society of Cardiology this year found that drinking between a half cup of coffee to three cups of coffee daily was associated with a lower risk of stroke, death from cardiovascular disease, and death of any cause.
Another study published this year in the journal BMC Public Health revealed that those who reported drinking coffee were 21% less likely to develop chronic liver disease and 49% less likely to die from the disease, compared to those who didn't drink coffee.
Still, there is such a thing as overdoing your coffee intake, with the main concern being overconsumption of caffeine. Aside from increased heart rate, anxiety, and insomnia, drinking too much caffeine on a regular basis can pose other risks, too. For example, a 2017 study identified an association between caffeine consumption and fertility.
More specifically, researchers found that consuming 300 milligrams of caffeine (or just over three cups) daily heightened the risk of pregnancy loss. That risk doubled for pregnant women who drank 600 milligrams of coffee daily.
As Gil Weiss, MD., OB/GYN, and a partner at the Association for Women's Healthcare, previously explained to Eat This, Not That! that there isn't much research on this possible connection as of now.
"Some suggested theories as to how excessive caffeine consumption may impact fertility include the possibility that caffeine can impact cell development or alter uterine or early placental blood flow," he says. Still, if you're pregnant or looking to get pregnant, Weiss suggests limiting your caffeine consumption to 200 milligrams, or about two cups of coffee.
As for anyone else enjoying coffee, you'll have to see what works best for you. Just know that you could be at increased risk of adverse, long-term side effects if you drink six or more cups of coffee daily. One study published in February of this year found that drinking that amount of coffee each day could increase your risk of developing heart disease.
Bottom line: Enjoy your morning cup of coffee or two, or three. Most people can safely tolerate this amount of caffeine. The beverage may even offer some health benefits. As is the case with just about any food or drink, moderation is the key and the same guidelines apply to coffee.
For more, be sure to read 12 Surprising Recipes That Every Coffee Lover Needs to Try Immediately. Then, don't forget to sign up for our newsletter!
