Coffee has long been a part of everyday life for many people, providing an energy boost in the morning or as an afternoon pick-me-up. Additionally, it’s often relied upon during times of distress as an outlet. According to research, most adults can safely consume up to 400 mg of caffeine daily, equivalent to four 8-ounce cups of coffee, within government and health group recommendations.

Caffeine is a psychostimulant drug that stimulates the central nervous system. It increases vigilance and attention span while also aiding athletic performance and memory recall; however, excessive consumption could prove harmful2.2

Coffee’s primary health advantages lie with the polyphenols found in beans, which have been linked to reduced risk for diseases and conditions including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Caffeine may also provide some health advantages by aiding digestive function as well as decreasing Parkinson’s risk.

Caffeine should be used with caution as it may interact with certain medications, reducing their effectiveness. This includes antidepressants, blood thinners, and some forms of birth control. Talk to your physician about incorporating coffee into your daily coffee intake regimen if any of these drugs are part of your regimen.

Rumors about coffee’s harmful effects on your heart have long been disproven, with moderate coffee consumption linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality across both decaf and regular varieties.3

Researchers conducted a large-scale study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition which revealed that people who consumed two to three cups of coffee daily were nearly 20% less likely to die than non-coffee drinkers. People living with atrial fibrillation – a common heart rhythm disorder – who consumed two to three cups each of ground and instant coffee were also significantly lower risk of death.

And yet not all research on coffee is so positive. A 2015 study revealed that heavy coffee drinking was linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular events, specifically heart attacks, in young adults with mild hypertension who consumed large volumes of it regularly. The effect was even stronger among those who carried variants of the gene CYP1A2, which regulates how your body processes caffeine.

How much coffee is safe to drink depends on an individual’s tolerance and diet, though the results of the latest study may provide encouragement in that regard. You should still monitor your coffee consumption to avoid exceeding recommended caffeine amounts; if unsure, consult with a registered dietitian for guidance in adding your cup of joe into an overall balanced meal.