Nothing quite hits the spot like a freshly brewed cup of joe or a barista-crafted coffee beverage in the morning. Some love the taste and hit of caffeine from coffee so much that they sip on the stuff all day, leading many to wonder how much coffee is too much. Today we will be answering frequently asked questions about coffee consumption, so read on to learn more!
How Many Cups of Coffee in a Day is Too Much?
One of the main reasons people reach for this hot beverage every day is the boost of energy it can give you due to its high caffeine content. Caffeine, while helpful for a temporary boost in energy at times, can be dangerous in excess.
Studies show that up to 400 mg of caffeine is generally safe for adults to consume per day. This roughly equates to about four cups of standard black coffee. Unfortunately, that guideline can be difficult to stick to because the caffeine content in coffee can vary widely depending upon a multitude of factors. Some of these factors include the type of coffee beans used, how the beans are roasted, how the coffee is prepared, and the serving size. Depending upon these factors, a serving of coffee could contain between 70–300 mg of caffeine.
Check out this list of the caffeine content of many popular drinks to help you estimate your daily caffeine consumption. Keep in mind, however, that everyone tolerates caffeine differently. Some people notice side effects after one cup of black coffee, and others present no noticeable symptoms after sipping on it all day.
What Happens if I Drink Too Much Coffee?
Although coffee lovers everywhere may say that one can never have too much coffee, research tends to disagree. Drinking too much coffee can have both short-term and long-term consequences. In the short term, people who drink coffee and other caffeinated beverages may feel the following:
- Jittery or anxious
- Dizzy
- Quickened heartbeat
- Shaky hands and overall tremors
- Stomach aches
- Acid reflux
- Difficulty sleeping
Consuming high doses of caffeine frequently can have long term effects, like:
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Headaches
- Caffeine withdrawal
- Ringing in the ears
- Poor appetite
Many people reach for more coffee in the mornings after they had a night of troubled sleep. Unfortunately, this can set off a vicious cycle of consuming extra caffeine because of poor sleep, and in turn getting poor sleep because of higher caffeine consumption. Coffee is, undoubtedly, a wonderful thing, but it must be consumed responsibly in order to ensure it doesn’t cause adverse effects.
Are There Health Benefits to Drinking Coffee?
If you are a coffee lover, and the above points have made you feel sad, fret not. Coffee, in limited amounts, can provide all kinds of benefits. Coffee is:
- An excellent source of antioxidants, which may protect against certain cancers and other diseases
- Associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes
- Thought to be protective against liver cancer and liver cirrhosis
- Related to a decreased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease
- Correlated to a longer lifespan
Although it is incorrect to say that coffee directly prevents or cures these diseases, research does show that daily coffee consumption could have some promising effects on our health and longevity.
In Conclusion
Coffee, like anything in life, is best enjoyed with a sense of balance. Although it is tempting to drink several cups per day, many doctors would deem that unadvisable. One way to keep your coffee consumption within appropriate levels is by drinking fewer, yet higher quality and more satisfying, cups of coffee. If you’re searching for an excellent cup of coffee to enjoy on a daily basis, look no further than Hub Coffee. We offer a wide range of whole bean, ground, and capsule coffee subscriptions that are shipped right to your door.
Check out our brewing guides for crafting the ultimate cup of coffee with many types of equipment, and contact us with any questions or inquiries!