The latest research supports the conclusion that for most adults, consuming up to five 8-ounce cups of coffee is safe and appears to be linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease for some individuals.
However, higher doses of caffeine, such as the levels found in energy drinks including energy shots, may cause cardiovascular harm, according to a new scientific statement published in the American Heart Association’s flagship peer-reviewed scientific journal Circulation.
Based on the results of the latest research, consuming caffeinated coffee without added sugars, flavors or cream was linked to a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, heart failure and some irregular heart rhythms. Randomized trials have also shown that caffeine consumption in coffee is associated with a lower risk of atrial fibrillation, but a higher risk of premature ventricular contractions.
The research suggests that caffeinated coffee may reduce insulin sensitivity in the short term. In addition, drinking black, caffeinated coffee (no additives, flavors or sweeteners) regularly was linked to a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. However, this benefit may be due to compounds in coffee other than caffeine.
Data from randomized clinical trials indicate cafestol, a component in both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, is associated with higher levels of low-density lipoprotein (also known as “bad” cholesterol). Cafestol is present in unfiltered coffee (such as espresso, French press, Turkish coffee or boiled coffee) but not present in coffee brewed with paper filters or instant coffee.
The study authors say more research is necessary to investigate the different health impacts of various types of caffeinated coffee and other products with caffeine, such as tea, soda, energy drinks and energy shots, and foods. There have been fewer studies focused on tea vs. coffee; however, tea has been associated with reduced risk of atrial fibrillation, heart failure and stroke, similar to caffeinated coffee.
Data from American Heart Association