Coffee often makes us feel good, yet there’s a certain amount we shouldn’t exceed to avoid putting our health at risk. A doctor reminds us of the maximum number of cups we should consume in a day.
Every morning, millions of people enjoy their coffee to start the day off right. CNN looked into the subject and interviewed Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency room physician and associate professor at George Washington University. A public health expert, she shares her analysis of the benefits of coffee, as well as the recommended amounts and precautions to take.
Why does coffee offer health benefits?
According to the expert, “the evidence is quite strong” regarding the benefits of coffee: “Besides recent studies, a plethora of research conducted over decades has shown that moderate coffee consumption is associated with a reduced risk of developing multiple diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, and even dementia,” she explained to CNN. The scientific explanation remains unclear, but several hypotheses exist.
Coffee contains substances with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which could play a role in cancer prevention. Some compounds may also help the body better utilize insulin and control blood sugar levels. Furthermore, certain components of coffee could influence cholesterol metabolism and thus protect the cardiovascular system. However, Dr. Wen specifies that further research is needed to precisely identify the beneficial elements of coffee and understand their mechanisms of action.
Moreover, in France, approximately 30% of adults and up to 11% of children consume amounts of caffeine exceeding recommended levels, which could cause anxiety, increased tolerance, or chronic health effects, particularly cardiovascular and bone-related, according to the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES). If in doubt, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional.
How many cups of coffee can you safely consume per day to reap its benefits?
Excessive coffee consumption can be problematic: too much caffeine can cause palpitations, anxiety, restlessness, and sleep disturbances. “400 mg of caffeine per day—about four cups—is considered safe for most adults,” Dr. Wen explained in her interview with CNN. However, some people need to be especially careful, including children, pregnant women
