Last Sunday, I was hanging out with my friend and a brilliant software engineer, Satvik Jagannath, at cafe coffee day, R.T Nagar. As we ordered coffee, he narrated to me how his grandmother is the biggest coffee fanatic. She gulps 7 to 8 cups every day. He asked me ‘Doctor, How many cups of coffee should you drink?’
“Sir, if you will test her blood, I am sure, you will find more coffee than blood cells.” And we burst out into laughter.
Many research says coffee causes Hyperacidity, sleeplessness and other problems. This is a popular conception in people. I knew this was a popular conception.
But, many leading studies have established the efficacy of these black beans. They are rich in antioxidants and other active substances which offer oodles of benefits to the body.
Also Read: Is coffee a boon or bane?
The benefits of coffee – Research
Harvard School of Pubic Health says that increasing coffee consumption over a 4 year period lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes. In fact, people who drank six or more cups daily has a lower chance of diabetes. For men the risks reduced by 54 per cent and for women it goes down by 30 per cent.
Do you know researcher Dr Frank Hu, the scientist who studied coffee for 20 years said people who drink more coffee live longer. He explained that coffee contains large amounts of antioxidants. This improves insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.
These findings were further confirmed by a meta-analysis conducted at the University Of Sidney. A team of international researchers examined 18 studies involving more than 450,000 participants, It reported that every additional cup of coffee consumed in a day can reduce the risk of diabetes by 7 per cent.
The world-renowned philosopher Voltaire enjoyed as many as fifty to seventy-two small cups of coffee daily. He died in 1778 at the age of eighty-three.
Now, that’s a case of extremes.
Also Read: 5 mind-blowing benefits of coffee in skincare
How much coffee is too much?
For men, Five or more cups of coffee a day is a good number. It can reduce their risk of dying from heart disease by 44 per cent. The International Journal of Cancer 2007 stated, women who drank three or more cups of coffee every day had 50 % lower risk of colon cancer.
Regular coffee drinkers had a lower risk of chronic diseases. It can lower the risks of coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease. Coffee helps the body to process glucose better. This level of risk reduction is equal to the impact of some of the best-selling drugs in the world.
But what should be the Size of the Cup?
An article in Healthline.com states that 4 to 5 cups of coffee a day is good. This sums up to 400 mg of total caffeine intake is safe for healthy adults. Health Canada also says adults should limit their caffeine intake to no more than 400 mg per day.
This is about three cups of coffee, eight ounces each — or three short cups of coffee from Starbucks.
Also Read: Is it safe to drink coffee during pregnancy?
What is the mg of caffeine?
If one mug of filter coffee contains 140mg of caffeine, then you should have less than three such cups per day. Similarly, 100 mg of caffeine can be consumed four times a day totalling up to 400 mg of caffeine.
Healthy Addiction: With Sugar or Without?
Sugar is the main culprit for a host of health issues. Healthline.com says “added sugar is arguably one of the worst ingredients in the modern diet”. So, avoid white crystals. When coffee is loaded with syrups, sugar, creams or other toppings like whipped cream, it becomes an unhealthy beverage. It is best to keep things simple and go for the classic black coffee, ditching the sugar and high-fat creamer or milk powder.
Milk Addition
Coffee cohorts from all over the world assert that milk enhances the flavour and colour of coffee.
However, please note the following points before choosing your pint of coffee
- If you are planning to shed some weight, having your coffee without milk is best.
- People suffering from hyperacidity should avoid black coffee.
- Pregnant woman and lactating mothers should consult their doctors for regulating their coffee intake.
How many cups of coffee should you drink – Takeaway
My friend was stunned by these facts about the little beans which he thought to be just a mere addiction. Finally, Satvik agreed that his old grandmother knew a thing or two more when it comes to healthy living.
So, now you know ‘How many cups of coffee should you drink?’
30 comments
Very informative article. Lot of facts that most of us aren’t aware of. I’ll start drinking coffee gradually 🙂
thank you
Brilliant article. Many world renowned studies proved that coffee is good for health with limited intakes.
I ‘ll start drinking coffee.
thank you
Very informative indeed…..
How much coffee should be drunk is the most common queries we get as clinicians this article provides answers to all those along with additional information along
Thank you doctor
thank you
Very beautifully you have explained all the queries one can think about while going through your blog.. Glad to know that coffee has so many benefits ,which I was not aware till I have gone through your article. Dr I really don’t get sleep when I take coffee at night 😔but your article says it’s a myth . Which coffee is best Filtered, Decaffeinated or Nescafe.
thank you
Astonished to know that Coffee, a common beverage served in Indian families has wonderful effects on health. Intake of right amount of coffee happens to be a healthy drink after going through this article🙂
thank you
Reading the article felt like sipping down a steamy cup of coffee. Beautifully written. Flavoured with amazing facts.
thank you
this shows the proverbs are true……prescribing just what the patient relsihes
Wonderful coffee benefits..I too am really dumb struck.. interesting Sir.. all coffee lovers must be happy to know these benefits.. beautifully taken thro’ sir👍
thank you
Interesting
excellent article. thanks for the update….
Really do not know if power naps do help but coffee does !!! I always have this qusetion ‘ What goes best with a cup of coffee? ‘ and i feel Another cup !!!
ALL IS WELL is what that means 😄😄
Nice blog Doctor !!!
Very informative..
Nice to know about health benefits with coffe..
thank you
Coffee lovers will love this article. Good to learn about the benefits of coffee but black coffee in its healtiest form may not be liked by we Indians. But one can definitely develop taste for it.
thank you
Very informative..
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I haven?¦t checked in here for a while since I thought it was getting boring, but the last several posts are good quality so I guess I?¦ll add you back to my everyday bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂
[…] say drinking four or more cups of coffee each day can reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease by 20%. Moderate consumption of coffee […]