Do you drink too much coffee?

For many consumers, coffee "too much" does not exist. However, according to the researchers, there could be some.

According to a new study, consumers who drink six or more coffees a day could harm their health.

"Coffee is the most consumed stimulant in the world – it wakes us up, boosts our energy and helps us focus – but people always ask," How much caffeine is too much? ", Said researcher Elina Hyppönen.

"Most people would agree that if you drink a lot of coffee, you might feel nervous, irritable, or even nauseous – that's because caffeine helps your body work faster and stronger, but also [suggests] that you may have reached your limit for the moment, "added Hyppönen.

Potential health risks

Hyppönen and his team based their study on previous research that showed how excessive consumption of caffeine can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. According to Hyppönen, "the risk of cardiovascular disease increases with high blood pressure, a known consequence of caffeine consumption".

The researchers used data from the British Biobank to see if the genes – particularly the CYP1A2 gene, which is responsible for the treatment of caffeine – had an impact on the body's ability to manage caffeine. The team also analyzed how the drink can increase the likelihood that consumers will develop heart disease.

Using nearly 350,000 participants aged 37 to 73, researchers were able to monitor participants' long-term coffee consumption and any major changes in health.

People with the CYP1A2 gene are thought to treat caffeine up to four times faster – but according to the study, the fact that the gene is affected does not affect the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. the participants.

Those who drink one to two cups of coffee a day were not at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, while those who drank more than six cups a day, had decaffeinated coffee, or did not drink coffee, were at greater risk of illness. heart.

"In order to maintain a healthy heart and blood pressure, people must limit their coffee to less than six cups a day – according to our data, six has been the tipping point where caffeine has begun to negatively affect cardiovascular risk," said Hyppönen.

Hyppönen's advice to consumers who love coffee in excess may seem standard, but they may ultimately be beneficial to the health of consumers.

"Knowing the limits of what's good for you and what's wrong is imperative," she said. "As with many things, it's all about moderation; abuse and your health will pay for it. "

The key to a long life?

As Hyppönen warns, drinking too much coffee could have a negative impact on the health of consumers. However, several studies in recent years have explored how this extra jolt of caffeine can have several health benefits.

Moderate coffee consumption has been associated with longer life, reduced risk of premature death, reduced risk of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, and improved heart health.