The American Heart Association (AHA) says that drinking up to five cups of coffee a day (400 mg) is safe for most adults. The report, published in the journal Circulation, suggests that coffee could be linked to a lower risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, stroke and heart failure.
Traditionally, doctors advised patients with heart problems to avoid stimulants. That's according to Dr. Gregory M. Marcus, chair of the scientific statements writing group and professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, who told Newsweek that the formal guidelines on caffeine were surprisingly limited.
He explains that previous recommendations were based more on conventional wisdom than science and often advised patients with cardiac arrhythmias or high blood pressure to avoid caffeine altogether.
However, the recent AHA review, which integrates clinical trials, suggests that daily coffee consumption can reduce the risk of recurrence of heart conditions by up to 39%.
Preparation and health benefits
The AHA highlights that the cardiovascular benefits of coffee are associated only with filtered or instant coffee; They do not apply to products with a high concentration of synthetic caffeine. Other preparations, such as Turkish coffee or espresso, may contain cafestol, which increases LDL cholesterol, associated with arterial problems.
Energy drinks containing synthetic caffeine, on the contrary, are linked to increased blood pressure and cardiac arrhythmias. The AHA warns of the serious dangers posed by high doses of caffeine in these products.
Individual considerations
Caffeine tolerance varies depending on genetics, affecting how each person metabolizes this stimulant.
Doctors recommend that patients with heart problems or risk factors consult their doctor about their coffee consumption to ensure safe intake.
The myth that coffee is “bad”
The main ancient belief was that coffee was “poison” or a drink of the devil, capable of seriously damaging the physical and moral health of those who drank it, especially due to its stimulating effect.
Ancient beliefs about coffee
