Science Desk.- Consuming up to five cups of American coffee per day (about 225 milligrams) is safe for health and is linked to a lower cardiovascular risk, such as heart failure or stroke, according to a scientific statement from the American Heart Association published this Monday in the journal Circulation.
The text is based on coffee measurements and habits in the United States, where a cup contains about 250 milliliters of liquid. In Europe, where coffee is consumed more concentrated, with less water, the coffee cups safe for health would be equivalent to those that can be made with 225 milligrams.
The authors indicate that up to 400 milligrams of “healthy” caffeine per day would be “safe” and “appears to be related to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease in some people.”
That “healthy” caffeine from coffee is not comparable to the one found in soft drinks and/or energy drinks, which can increase the risk of high blood pressure or arrhythmia.
Benefits
The authors recall that there are previous studies suggesting that the bioactive compounds in coffee may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which could help explain some health benefits.
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Among others, the consumption of caffeinated coffee without added sugars, flavorings, or cream is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, or heart failure.
Randomized trials, the most rigorous and reliable type of study design, have shown that caffeine consumption in coffee is associated with a lower risk of atrial fibrillation, but also with a higher risk of premature ventricular contractions.
Adding sugar, flavored syrups, milk and/or cream to coffee will likely reduce its potential health benefits, he points out.
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There are also randomized clinical trials that conclude that cafestol, a component present in both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, is linked to higher levels of low-density lipoproteins (also known as “bad” cholesterol).
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Cafestol is present in unfiltered coffee (such as espresso, French press coffee, Turkish coffee, or boiled coffee), but not in coffee prepared with paper filters or in instant coffee.
Although coffee is the main source of caffeine for most adults, tea, chocolate, soft drinks, and energy drinks, as well as some medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, also contribute to total caffeine intake.
How does caffeine affect the body?
Caffeine consumed in coffee is metabolized in the liver and generally reaches its peak concentration in most people within an hour.
The speed at which each person metabolizes caffeine depends on their genetics, their metabolism, their age, and their previous caffeine consumption.
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When caffeinated coffee is consumed regularly, some people may develop a tolerance to higher levels of caffeine. Other people may feel more intense effects with the same amount of caffeine.
The short-term effects of caffeine can include temporary increases in blood pressure, heart rate, blood sugar, and alertness, although some people may experience palpitations and sleep disturbances, he/she points out.
According to the scientific statement, more research is needed to better understand the impact of caffeine on the body, how different sources of caffeine affect heart health, and how its impact may vary among different people.
