Good news for coffee lovers: your morning mug may be doing more than just waking you up. A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association says drinking up to five cups of coffee a day is considered safe for most adults and may even be linked to better heart health. Researchers also found possible connections to lower risks of stroke, type 2 diabetes, and heart failure.

The report reviews newer research that separates coffee from highly concentrated caffeine products like energy drinks. It found that paper-filtered and instant coffee are associated with the greatest potential benefits, while unfiltered options like French press, espresso, and Turkish coffee contain cafestol, a natural compound that can raise LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol. The statement also notes that energy drinks have been consistently linked to harmful effects, including spikes in blood pressure and dangerous heart rhythm problems.

Key takeaways from the research also include:

• Up to about 400 milligrams of caffeine, roughly three to five cups of coffee, is considered safe for most healthy adults.
• Regular coffee consumption has been associated with a 20% to 30% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes and may also reduce the risk of stroke and heart failure.
• People process caffeine differently because of genetics, so some may be more sensitive than others.
• Anyone with heart disease or other cardiovascular concerns should talk with their healthcare provider about what amount of caffeine is appropriate for them.

Experts note that there’s no need to start drinking coffee just for the health benefits, but if you’re already a coffee drinker, go ahead and savor a cup (or five)!
Source: ABCNews