DALLAS — Good news for coffee drinkers. The American Heart Association (AHA) released a scientific statement Monday saying that drinking up to five cups of coffee a day is generally safe for most adults and may actually be good for your heart.
The statement, which was published in the journal Circulation, found that consuming up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day — roughly five 8-ounce cups of coffee — is associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and type 2 diabetes.
The AHA concluded there is a growing body of evidence that caffeine is not harmful when taken in moderation, and that coffee specifically may be beneficial. However, the association cautioned that any benefits can be offset by adding cream, sugar, flavored syrups, or other additives.
The findings do not apply to energy drinks. The AHA noted that high-caffeine energy drinks are consistently linked to cardiovascular harm, including sudden spikes in blood pressure and acute episodes of irregular heart rhythms, even in healthy adults.
“The data suggests that up to about three to five cups may have benefit and almost certainly is not harmful, but that doesn’t mean that consuming three to five drinks is better than having one drink per day,” said Dr. Gregory Marcus, chairman of the volunteer group that prepared the guidance.
The AHA noted that more randomized controlled trials are needed to better understand how caffeine affects different people and how different caffeine sources impact heart health.
