Have you ever wondered whether you’re drinking too much coffee or caffeine in a single day? There are quite a few people who will drink a full pot of coffee each day, and plenty more who rely on energy drinks to get them through long days of work or night shifts.
In 2016, the National Coffee Association (NCA) released a statement on caffeine consumption, and the organization continues to offer guidance about caffeine in the average person’s diet in Pampa, TX and beyond. Here’s an overview of what you should know.
NCA caffeine guidelines
In a 2015 study, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) determined 400 mg of caffeine per day (and 200 mg for pregnant women) would result in no health concerns. However, while that study determined those levels to be “safe,” it did not provide any information about what would be the maximum limit for safe consumption.
One cup of coffee could have 200 mg of coffee, meaning three or four cups could result in well over than the suggested 400 mg intake. According to U.S. government recommendations, however, three to five cups of coffee can still be a part of a healthy, balanced diet.
For pregnant women, the big concern is making sure the caffeine does not harm the fetus. The EFSA study mentioned above gives a general guideline of 200 mg as an amount that will not result in a safety concern. However, that study does not take into account the fact that women who have healthy pregnancies often develop an aversion to strong smells, which often leads to them avoiding drinking coffee as a result. This could mean people who have less viable pregnancies are the ones who are continuing to consume caffeine, which means the research could be biased in focusing on caffeine rather than non-viable pregnancies being the cause of negative outcomes.
For the most part, professionals will agree that caffeine ingestion at the levels typically consumed by the average American will be safe. It should be noted that there are even some potential benefits associated with drinking coffee, including the following:
- Coffee and cancer: Consumption of coffee has been linked to a reduction in postmenopausal cancer risk in women, as well as a lower colon cancer risk in women and lower risk of liver cancer among all adults.
- Longevity: Various studies link regular coffee consumption to greater longevity in general. One study found coffee drinking to be associated with reduced risk of a variety of kinds of fatal illnesses and conditions.
- Diabetes: Studies have shown coffee drinkers to be at a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, which makes up about 90 to 95 percent of all of the world’s diabetes cases. People who drink four or more cups of coffee each day can have up to a 50 percent lower risk of Type 2 diabetes.
- Strokes: Various studies have shown coffee drinkers to have a reduced risk of suffering strokes.
For more information about the NCA statement on caffeine consumption or to learn more about the various benefits of coffee and the effects of caffeine, contact Armstrong Coffee Service in Pampa, TX today.