One of the few habits that truly unites humanity is the love of coffee. More than 500 billion cups of coffee are consumed worldwide each year. Considering that the global population is approximately 7.7 billion people, this is quite an impressive figure.
However, the main question remains unchanged: how much coffee is too much? Is there even such a limit?
Conflicting Research Findings
The number of scientific studies on coffee is enormous, and new findings are published almost every month. The problem is that the results do not always align with one another.
In May 2019, a study conducted by the University of South Australia found that up to five cups of coffee per day could be considered normal, but six or more cups might increase the risk of heart disease by approximately 22%.
Yet just one month later, research from Queen Mary University reported that drinking up to 25 cups of coffee per day did not appear to harm heart health.
So what is the conclusion? Should we stop at five cups, or continue until our hands start shaking? The answer is still unclear.
Coffee and Disease Risk
The health effects of coffee are not limited to heart health.
A 2018 study suggested that coffee consumption may reduce the risk of developing Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. However, other research has indicated that coffee could potentially worsen Alzheimer’s symptoms in certain cases.
In March 2019, a study involving 1.2 million participants found a link between coffee consumption and an increased risk of lung cancer — even among non-smokers.
On the other hand, a study published in July 2018 showed that individuals who drank eight or more cups of coffee per day had a 14% lower overall risk of death.
These findings demonstrate that there is no single, fixed scientific position on coffee.
Potential Benefits
Most research suggests that coffee, overall, does more good than harm.
Coffee may boost metabolism and support weight loss.
It stimulates bowel activity.
There is evidence that it may reduce the risk of heart failure and stroke.
It has also been associated with a lower risk of diabetes, liver disease, and dementia.
It is true that coffee can raise blood pressure. However, studies show that in regular drinkers, this effect tends to diminish over time, as the body develops a degree of tolerance.
Conclusion: No Universal Answer
The effects of coffee on the human body are still not fully understood. This is quite remarkable, considering how widely it is consumed every day.
The key takeaways are:
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Coffee is beneficial in most cases.
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Excessive consumption may pose individual risks.
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There is no universal “dangerous limit.”
Each person’s genetics, metabolism, and overall health condition are different. Therefore, the safest approach appears to be moderation — balanced and measured consumption.
For most people, 2–4 cups of coffee per day are considered safe.
Twenty-five cups, however, would likely be more of an experiment than a scientific recommendation.