Coffee is one of those nutrition topics that has flip flopped many times over. Is coffee healthy or unhealthy and is there an amount that is too much? Here are the relevant points to keep in mind for your health.
Is Coffee Bad For You?
There is a significant amount of research on the subject. So far overviews of the evidence conclude that coffee has not been shown to be bad for you. The USDA’s current position based on the evidence is that drinking up to five 8oz. cups a day (equaling 400mg of caffeine) is no problem.1
Is Coffee Good For You?
There are studies that associate coffee consumption with a lower risk of certain diseases and with lower risks of death. However, nutrition is always complicated because it has a huge number of variables. So far, coffee is only associated with good outcomes and not proven to be the cause. The USDA does not recommend adding it to your routine if you aren’t currently a drinker.2
Mind Your Sleep And Your Sugar
Currently, potential downsides are mostly linked to the caffeine, which is mildly addictive and comes with side-effects and withdrawal symptoms. One negative side-effect is the potential of caffeine to interfere with sleep, and some may be more sensitive to this than they realize. This is no small factor, as sleep is extremely important for general health as well as the recovery portion of your fitness regimine.
Also, remember that what you put in the coffee matters too. Overly sugary and caloric beverages won’t help you to be your healthiest self.
The Bottom Line
So far, there is no strong evidence that coffee is unhealthy, but it would be wise to keep it below five cups per day and try to avoid excess sugar. Make sure it doesn’t interfere with your sleep and don’t drink it under the motivation that it is good for you, because that is unproven. Drink it, because you enjoy it.
Try A Local Roaster
Small, local roasters are springing up all over. Many of them are people following a passion to produce truly great coffee while building a more equitable and sustainable world. If you are a coffee lover, see if you have one of these roasters in your area. They often offer tastings, tours, and subscriptions, all of which can bring a lot of fun into your love for coffee while supporting local business and sustainable values. One of our favorites, if you live in the Brooklyn area is Driftaway Coffee.
Related
NYTimes – More Consensus On Coffee’s Effect On Health Than You Might Think