Reduced risks of various diseases, better liver health, and perhaps even a longer life:\u00a0The potential health benefits of coffee have been highlighted by a growing body of research in recent years.<\/p>\n
But how much is too much?\u00a0<\/p>\n
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), up to five cups of coffee a day is safe for most people, citing new research recommending a cap of 400mg of caffeine.<\/p>\n
Exceeding the limit increases the risk of high blood pressure and heart failure.<\/p>\n
Sticking to that upper limit, which equates to around two double-shot and one single-shot espressos,\u00a0is not only a safe choice, but could also boost heart health.<\/p>\n
Moderate coffee intake appears to be not only \u201cgenerally safe for most adults\u201d, but also \u201clinked to a lower risk of several cardiovascular conditions, including heart failure, heart disease and stroke in some individuals\u201d, the AHA said in July (2026).<\/p>\n
Coffee contains bioactive compounds that may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which are the likely source of its wider health benefits, according to the AHA.<\/p>\n
The same does not hold for so-called energy drinks, however, the researchers warned.<\/p>\n
\u201cHigh doses of caffeine, such as those found in energy drinks, including energy shots, may have harmful effects on the heart and should be avoided,\u201d said University of California, San Francisco professor of medicine Dr Gregory Marcus.<\/p>\n