A recent study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism suggests that daily caffeine consumption of 200 to 300 milligrams can significantly lower the risk of cardiometabolic diseases. Conducted over a 12-year period by researchers from China and Sweden, the findings indicate that even when caffeine intake exceeds 400 milligrams, the risk remains stable, showing no increase or decrease.
In an interview with NBC, U.S. experts provided a cautionary note, referencing other studies that link excessive caffeine intake to heightened risks of dementia, stroke, diabetes, and increased blood pressure. They noted that drinks like coffee and tea offer more than just caffeine; other compounds in these beverages likely play a role in the overall reduction of risk. Furthermore, many commercially available coffee and tea products contain added ingredients that could introduce their own health concerns.
The study highlights that consuming 200 to 300 milligrams of caffeine daily is more effective at reducing the risk of cardiometabolic diseases than lower amounts, with a risk reduction of approximately 50% for coffee and 40% for tea. This intake equates to about two to three cups of coffee or three cups of tea per day. Importantly, the research found that exceeding three cups doesn’t further decrease risk, and even intakes above 400 milligrams are not associated with negative impacts on cardiometabolic health.
Participants in the study were drawn from the UK Biobank, comprising 172,000 individuals aged 37 to 73 who regularly consumed caffeinated drinks and had no history of cardiometabolic diseases. Over the tracking period, moderate coffee consumption appeared to help prevent an additional category of cardiometabolic disease, potentially linked to caffeine’s enhancement of metabolic processes.
However, experts from the Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic, during an NBC interview, acknowledged limitations within the study. They stressed that the findings may not be universally applicable, considering that tea and coffee contain a variety of other substances. Thus, focusing solely on caffeine might not fully capture its health effects.
Additionally, caffeine can pose greater risks for those with high blood pressure due to its potential to raise blood pressure levels. Many popular coffee and tea beverages also include high-calorie additives like cream and syrup, which can further raise the risk of cardiometabolic diseases. Consequently, U.S. experts advise that while moderate coffee consumption may be beneficial, it’s important to be mindful of overall intake and the addition of any extras.
