Recently, coffee has been linked with many health benefits ranging from protection against heart disease and diabetes to lower cancer risks and reduced risks of other ailments. Coffee is now among the healthiest beverages alongside tea and water; but how much coffee should one drink per day? Much depends on individual tolerance of caffeine – too much may lead to anxiety, jitters or difficulty sleeping as well as interfering with certain medications or triggering digestive issues; two to five cups per day appears to offer the ideal balance between potential benefits and possible downsides.

Researchers don’t yet fully understand why coffee may help our heart health, though it may be related to factors other than caffeine consumption. Sometimes this protective effect remains even after considering other lifestyle behaviors that contribute to cardiovascular wellness such as exercising regularly, drinking less alcohol and adopting healthier eating patterns; those who drink coffee may simply be more likely to engage in these healthy practices than non-drinkers.

Coffee contains various healthful components, such as potassium, magnesium, vitamins B and C and folate; these may help reduce oxidative stress and improve insulin sensitivity, among other benefits. Coffee’s anti-inflammatory properties may be related to its high concentrations of polyphenol micronutrients which are thought to help lower inflammation levels, prevent blood clots and protect brain blood vessels.

Studies have linked higher coffee consumption with reduced risks of heart disease and stroke, liver disease and Type 2 diabetes. Although these results are derived from observational studies that cannot prove causation, other factors – like social aspects of coffee-drinking and its potential effect on mood – could explain these associations.

Studies conducted in 2022 demonstrated that individuals who consumed three or more cups of coffee daily had lower risks of mortality compared to those who abstained from coffee completely, although those consuming beverages containing added sugar had an increased risk.

But adding milk and sugar can nullify any positive health benefits, increase calories intake, and raise a woman’s risk of gout, gallstones, depression, Parkinson’s disease and heart rhythm issues.

The Food and Drug Administration recommends no more than 400 milligrams of caffeine daily for adults, which is roughly equivalent to four or five 8-ounce cups of coffee. Keep in mind that coffee is just one source of caffeine; so be aware of how much you’re getting from other sources as well. Most people should find two cups per day sufficient, but always listen to your body – if caffeine interferes with sleep or causes anxiety reduce your consumption; you could also switch to decaffeinated varieties if your system responds poorly to caffeine!