Consuming up to five cups of American coffee a day (about 225 milligrams of caffeine) is safe for health and is related to a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart failure or stroke; according to a scientific statement from the American Heart Association, published this Monday, July 20, 2026 in the journal Circulation.
The text is based on measurements and coffee consumption habits in the United States, where one cup is equivalent to about 250 milliliters. In Europe, where coffee is usually prepared more concentrated and with less water, the amount considered safe would be equivalent to the amount that provides about 225 milligrams of caffeine.
The authors indicate that consuming up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day is safe and “appears to be related to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease in some people.”
They clarify that the caffeine from coffee is not comparable to that contained in soft drinks or energy drinks, whose consumption can increase the risk of high blood pressure or arrhythmias.
Benefits of drinking coffee
The authors recall that previous studies suggest that the bioactive compounds in coffee may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which would help explain some of its health benefits.
Among them, the consumption of caffeinated coffee, without added sugar, flavorings or cream, is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and heart failure.
Randomized clinical trials, considered the most rigorous and reliable type of study, have shown that caffeine consumption in coffee is associated with a lower risk of atrial fibrillation, but also with a higher risk of premature ventricular contractions.
Adding sugar, flavored syrups, milk or cream to coffee will likely reduce its potential health benefits.
Other randomized clinical trials conclude that cafestol, a compound present in both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, is associated with higher levels of low-density lipoproteins, known as “bad” cholesterol.
Cafestol is present in unfiltered coffee, such as espresso, French press, Turkish coffee, or boiled coffee, but not in coffee prepared with paper filters or instant coffee.
Although coffee is the main source of caffeine for most adults, tea, chocolate, soft drinks, energy drinks, and some medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, also contribute to total caffeine intake.
How does caffeine affect the body?
The caffeine consumed in coffee is metabolized in the liver and typically reaches its maximum concentration in most people within an hour.
How quickly each person metabolizes caffeine depends on factors such as genetics, metabolism, age, and previous consumption of this substance.
When consuming caffeinated coffee regularly, some people develop a tolerance to higher doses. Others, however, may experience more intense effects with the same amount.
The short-term effects of caffeine may include temporary increases in blood pressure, heart rate, blood glucose, and alertness. However, some people may experience palpitations and sleep disturbances.
According to the scientific statement, more research is still needed to better understand the impact of caffeine on the body, how different sources of caffeine affect cardiovascular health, and why those effects may vary between people.
