Moderate Caffeine Consumption Linked to Cardiovascular Health Benefits, AHA Statement Reaffirms

A new scientific statement published in the American Heart Association's peer-reviewed journal 'Circulation' indicates that moderate caffeine or coffee consumption (up to 400 mg/day caffeine or approximately 3–5 cups of coffee) is safe for most adults. This moderate intake is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, including coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure, and Type 2 diabetes. However, higher caffeine intake, such as from energy drinks, was linked to cardiovascular harm like increased blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms. The statement also notes that a compound called cafestol, present in espresso, French press, Turkish, and boiled coffees, is associated with higher levels of 'bad cholesterol' (low-density lipoprotein), but this compound is not found in paper-filtered or instant coffee.