Millions of Americans start their day right by enjoying a cup of coffee. For many, this morning ritual provides a little pick-me-up or relaxing break while socializing with coworkers in the break room. Research also shows that drinking coffee regularly can improve mental focus, athletic performance and lower risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes and melanoma as well as decrease heart disease risk.

Researchers found that people who consumed two to three cups of regular or decaffeinated coffee per day experienced significantly reduced risks of death and heart-related issues than those who avoided it, according to data gathered through the UK Biobank study, which involved gathering blood samples, medical exams and questionnaires from nearly half a million participants of all ages gathered via blood sampling, medical exams and questionnaires – and found drinking two or three cups a day associated with lower risks from heart-related diseases and overall mortality risk, regardless of ground, instant or decaffeinated coffee consumption or preferences between ground or decaffeinated varieties or whether you prefer ground, instant or decaffeinated versions!

Although consuming sugary drinks and excessive fat is certainly beneficial to our bodies, adding milk or cream to coffee will diminish any positive benefits of caffeine and increase risk for heart disease. Furthermore, adding artificial sweeteners like sugar adds extra calories that could exceed the six teaspoons recommended daily for women and nine for men.

While coffee may help lower early death risk, there are always exceptions in health matters and this study published in September 2022 is no different. Based on observational data instead of being controlled trials, it remains unclear how many cups actually lead to positive results and furthermore participants did not have arrhythmias or cardiovascular disease at the start of this research study – thus negating any correlation between coffee consumption and reduced early mortality risk and coffee itself.

Coffee offers many health benefits, yet too much caffeine may lead to jitters, anxiety, stomach issues and insomnia – and can interfere with certain medications including antidepressants and thyroid drugs. Furthermore, too much caffeine may raise blood pressure or cause heart palpitations.

At the end of the day, it’s best to listen to what your body tells you when deciding how many cups of coffee a day are safe. If your cup gives you an energy boost without any adverse side-effects, then continuing your coffee intake might be appropriate; just limit it to two to three cups a day without sugar and cream additives.