Coffee and caffeine: What's the buzz?

Posted June 1, 2015

Most available data on caffeine in coffee and tea are from self-reported consumer studies. That means it's difficult to single out caffeine as the sole factor causing positive or negative effects. However, consuming up to 400 mg (three-four regular-sized cups of caffeinated coffee depending on strength) per day is considered safe for adults (excluding pregnant women).

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Most available data on caffeine in coffee and tea are from self-reported consumer studies. That means it’s difficult to single out caffeine as the sole factor causing positive or negative effects. However, consuming 3 to 4 regular-sized cups of caffeinated coffee per day is considered safe for adults (excluding pregnant women).

Up to 2 cups per day may help prevent heart attacks and decrease risk of Parkinson’s Disease.

May provide antioxidants

Increase alertness, mental energy, ability to concentrate on short-term basis

Less than 65 mg of caffeine can ease tension or migraine headaches

Coffee has about 3x more caffeine than green and black tea

May increase blood pressure rate

May increase bad cholesterol (LDL) and lower good cholesterol (HDL)

Can cause headaches, jitters and other symptoms

Think moderation.

Impact of caffeine, both good and bad on many health conditions from Alzheimer’s disease, mental health, cardiovascular, insulin resistance and diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis and more, is still being studied.

Up-To-Date Wolters Kluwer Health

Learn more: www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/what-is-it-about-coffee