Coffee limits for men and women: How much is actually safe to drink daily
How many cups of coffee can you drink per day (photo: Freepik)
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages worldwide. It boosts energy, improves concentration, and lifts your mood. But how much is too much? Scientists have established the safe consumption limits for men and women. Here's how much coffee you can drink per day without harming your health.
How much coffee can you drink in a day?
According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the safe dose of caffeine for a healthy adult is up to 400 mg per day. This equals about 3-5 cups of 200 ml coffee (depending on the preparation method and type of beans).
Men can consume up to 400 mg of caffeine per day, which is equivalent to:
- 4 cups of espresso
- 2 large Americanos
- or 5 cups of medium-strength filtered coffee
For women, the limit is generally the same, and it's up to 400 mg per day. However, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, this amount is reduced to 200 mg per day. This is because caffeine passes through the placenta and may affect fetal development.
It's also important to remember that caffeine is not only found in coffee, but also in tea, chocolate, energy drinks, and some medications.
What happens if you exceed the daily limit?
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Rapid heartbeat
- Hand tremors
- Blood pressure problems
It's best to drink coffee in the first half of the day, since consuming it after 3:00 PM may disrupt your sleep. Ideally, limit yourself to 1-2 cups in the morning to gain the benefits without harming your health.
Pay attention to your individual needs and conditions, such as caffeine sensitivity, chronic diseases (especially cardiovascular), and compatibility with medications.
Sources: Harvard Health Publishing, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, EFSA.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
