Drinking this much coffee is bad for you
August 21, 2024
The exact effect coffee has on your body has been the subject of much debate over the years. Some research has claimed coffee can extend your life, whereas others, such as Brian MacMahon in his notorious 1981 report in the New England Journal of Medicine, have highlighted its dangers. MacMahon, for his part, came under scrutiny for linking coffee to pancreatic cancer.
Dr Nency Kagathara, a medical student at Zydus Medical College in Gujarat, India, has found that people who drink more than 400 milligrams (mg) of coffee per day could be at increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
what does 400mg of coffee look like?
In simple terms, it is the equivalent of:
- 11 cans of Coca-Cola
- 10 cups of black tea
- 2.5 cans of an energy drink
- 2.66 lattes/cappuccinos
- 5 cups of instant coffee
- 5 single-shot espressos
The study is to be presented at the American College of Cardiology Asia 2024 conference. The study took 100 people aged 18 to 45 and tested their heart rate and blood pressure. Dr Kagathara noted that 19.6 per cent of participants consumed more than 400mg of coffee daily. “Regular caffeine consumption could disturb the parasympathetic system, leading to elevated blood pressure and heart rates,” said Kagathara. She also found that people who consume more than 600mg of coffee per day could face even more serious health issues, like insomnia, anxiety or weaker bones.
Regular caffeine consumption could disturb the parasympathetic system, leading to elevated blood pressure and heart rates
One barista who was contacted for comment noted they typically recommend less than 300mg of coffee (or three espresso shots) per day for most people, and that anyone who consumes coffee should do so at least four hours before they sleep. While milk isn’t harmful to consume with coffee, its health benefits are diluted if drunk with milk.
To learn more about the dangers of caffeine, check out this article by Dr Christiana Leimena-Lehn, or listen to our interview with her.
