How Many Cups of Coffee is Safe to Consume Daily?

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?’