How much coffee is actually too much?

Study reveals what you should know before pouring your next refill

A recent study has revealed how much coffee is actually good for our system and that refilling our cups too often could be hurting our health.

The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, suggests that drinking six or more cups of coffee per day may increase risk of heart disease by up to 22%, according to Health.com

Researchers from the University of South Australia analyzed the health records and self-reported dietary patterns of 347,077 participants between the ages of 37 and 73.

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They also looked to see which study participants possessed a specific gene variant, called CYP1A2, that enables people to metabolize caffeine faster than those without the variant.

Overall, the researchers found that people who said drank six or more cups of coffee a day were 22% more likely to develop cardiovascular disease during the study period, compared to those who drank one to two cups daily.

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They also concluded that this association was independent of genetic makeup; in other words, people with the caffeine-metabolising gene were not able to safely drink more than those who don't have it.

The study authors believe that coffee (in large quantities) and heart problems may be linked because excess caffeine consumption can cause high blood pressure, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

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According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, yet it's also one of the most preventable.

Previous research has found coffee is rich in antioxidants and may reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. That is, if it’s consumed in moderation. A 2017 review published in Food and Chemical Toxicology found that intake levels of up to 400 mg a day, or about four 8-ounce cups of coffee, are not associated with health risks for adults.

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