Turns out there is such thing as too much coffee. A morning cup is essential for many people looking to kick start their day, but scientists revealed overindulgence can be detrimental to your health. Recent study from The American Journal of Clinic Nutrition suggests that drinking six or more cups of coffee per day may increase your risk of heart disease by up to 22%.
Coffee is one of the most widely consumed stimulants worldwide – it boosts our energy, helps us focus, and is a vital feature of the daily grind (for most). Previous research has even found coffee is rich in antioxidants and may reduce the risk of many health complications, leading to a longer life.
That is, if consumed in moderation. Researchers Zhou and Hyppönen, from the University of South Australia, analyzed the health records and self-reported dietary patterns of over 300,000 participants. They believe that drinking coffee in large quantities may be linked to heart disease because excess caffeine can cause high blood pressure. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.
“Most people would agree that if you drink a lot of coffee, you might feel jittery, irritable or perhaps even nauseas – that’s because caffeine helps your body work faster and harder, but it is also likely to suggest that you may have reached your limit for the time being“, Prof Hyppönen says.
Although it’s easy to get caught up in your work day and continue refilling your cup, much like anything, it’s all about moderation. There’s no reason to completely cut out coffee, but it is smart to keep tabs on how much you’re drinking. Intake levels of up to 4 cups a day are not associated with health risks for adults – so enjoy your latte, cappuccino, or short black…
