How Many Cups of Coffee Is Healthy? | Americans love their morning cup of joe. So many people rely on that caffeine boost in the morning to wake them up and power through their daily schedule.
According to the National Coffee Association, 62 percent of Americans drink coffee every day. And coffee statistics reveal that the average coffee drinker consumes slightly more than three cups per day.
Three cups. Is that a good number for the average amount of coffee per day? How many cups of coffee are good for you, and how much is too much?
Aside from perking you up, coffee has several other perks. For example, it contains antioxidants and other active ingredients that can protect you from certain diseases. But exceeding the maximum caffeine amount has its downsides and can even be lethal.
Let’s look at what’s one cup too many and if you need to cut back on that brain juice brew.
How Many Cups of Coffee Are Just Right?
For most healthy adults, up to 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine is probably safe. The US Department of Health and Human Services supports this in their Dietary Guidelines for Americans. You can incorporate this much caffeine into healthy eating patterns.
For reference, an average 8-ounce cup has about 95 mg of caffeine. So, about four cups of coffee per day is safe to consume by the average person.
If you’re a brew lover, rejoice! Now you can justify investing in an espresso machine. You can start checking out reviews such as this Breville Barista Pro Review for your daily dose of liquid energy.
What About for Children, Teens, and Pregnant Women?
Of course, healthy adults aren’t the only ones with access to caffeine. Children and young adults can get their caffeine from various sources, such as sodas, energy drinks, and iced teas.
Pediatricians advise against caffeine for anyone under the age of 12. For those ages 12 to 18, they suggest limiting caffeine intake to at most 100 mg. That’s about one cup of coffee or two cans of soda.
Also, keep in mind that some energy drinks can have as much as 300 to 350 mg per can or bottle!
Women who are pregnant, looking to get pregnant, or are breastfeeding should talk to their doctors. Typically, these groups should limit the amount of caffeine to less than 200 mg per day.
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Not all people have the same level of tolerance for caffeine. Heavy caffeine use will have some unpleasant side effects, and you may want to cut back if you’re drinking more than four cups a day. Even if you’re consuming less than that, consider reducing your caffeine intake if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Insomnia
- Nervousness or restlessness
- Anxiety or irritability
- Increased heart rate
- Elevated blood pressure
- Muscle tremors
- Frequent urination
- Headache
What’s the Bottom Line for Coffee Lovers?
How many cups of coffee are we allowed to enjoy every day? The common answer from studies is three to four cups, or about 400 mg of caffeine daily. However, it’s important to listen to what your body is saying and curb your habit if you’re having difficulty sleeping or any other symptoms.
For more health tips and advice, please feel free to browse our site.
