It’s a Monday afternoon. You’re swamped with work and indulging in your third coffee for the day: a frothy cappuccino with an extra shot of rich espresso.
Your co-worker walks passed sipping herbal tea, throwing a judgemental glance at the empty cups collecting on your desk.
“You’ll overdose on coffee,” that look seems to say. As you protectively clutch the cap you wonder if such a terrible thing is even possible.
Most coffee-lovers will have experienced the jitters that come with thefourth cup for the day and found wondered “How much coffee is too much?”
Well, bad news frappucino fans – overdosing on coffee is certainly a real thing… in the short term. Drinking too much coffee in a day can result in increased heart rate, nausea, anxiety, and insomnia.
But what about the long-term? Recent studies suggest that regular coffee drinking can have amazing health benefits, reducing the incidence of Parkinson’s disease, diabetes and liver disease.
The trick is not drinking too much in a day. A 2007 study found that, for adults consuming moderate amounts of coffee (3–4 cups a day), there is little evidence of health risks and actually more evidence of health benefits.
Worrying about your third cup today? 3-4 moderately strong cups a day might be the sweet spot, according to recent research. The study found moderate daily coffee consumption is completely safe for human health.
So how much is too much? No one would recommend the current record for the most coffee drunk by two women in an office in 15 minutes, at a whopping 2.3 litres. Sound like your Monday afternoon? Mine too.
But while studies have attempted to find links between regular coffee drinking and an increased risk of heart disease, these observations have been difficult to replicate. Others have found they have no relationship at all!
So the next time you’re feeling guilty about that third cup, relax and enjoy. In sensible amounts (3-4 cups max a day), coffee is more delicious than detrimental, and could even benefit your health!
This article was written by a coffee lover, not a doctor or medical professional.
