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Coffee lovers, rejoice! Your daily cup or cups of Joe might actually be good for you. Moreover, if done correctly, it may even provide you with some amazing health benefits. But how many cups of coffee should you be drinking to maximize the benefits?
The many health benefits of drinking coffee
Caffeine is a stimulant that blocks neurotransmitters that make you feel tired and sleepy, according to Healthline. Although you can find caffeine in many other foods and drinks such as tea, energy drinks, chocolate, and certain medications; coffee remains the go to and biggest dietary source of caffeine for most people.
One of the best well known benefits of drinking coffee is its ability to boost alertness and mental performance. Feeling tired? Drink a cup of coffee and, voila! This is thanks to caffeine, the most widely consumed psychoactive substance around, according to Healthline.
The good news is that coffee has been linked to various health benefits including reducing your risk of type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson’s disease, and some types of cancer. However, as with any substance, you want to make sure you are not overdoing it. Too much of a good thing isn’t necessarily a good thing. So how much is too much? What is the recommended amount of coffee and caffeine intake for the average adult?
Finding the sweet spot
It’s time to spill the beans. The consensus seems to be that four to six cups of coffee is recommended for overall well being. According to a press release from the European Society of Cardiology, four cups of coffee is the best amount of daily coffee consumption for the average adult to drink for optimal health.
It is important to note that this can vary depending on individual factors such as genetics, lifestyle and tolerance to caffeine, according to a consumer update from the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA). This depends on factors such as body weight and sensitivity to caffeine.
How much coffee you should drink can vary from person to person. It is important that you listen to your body and consume it in moderation and pay attention to any sensitivities you may experience. Your body probably knows best.
There are other factors that you might want to think about when deciding what you want your coffee journey to look like. In fact, Inc recommends filtering your coffee for optimal nutritional benefits. They also say it is important to pay attention to any additives you may be putting into your coffee such as sweet syrups and other processed ingredients.
If you aren’t a coffee drinker, you might want to rethink it. Coffee can be a delicious and beneficial addition to your daily routine. Moderate coffee consumption (3-4 cups per day) can improve your cognitive performance, help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and even improve your mood. Cheers to good health and good coffee!
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