Coffee or Energy Drinks: Which Poses a Greater Risk to the Heart?
As millions of people consume coffee and energy drinks daily to gain a boost of energy and focus, the impact of caffeine on heart health remains a subject of ongoing debate. While coffee is one of the most popular beverages worldwide, research warns that high-concentration caffeine sources, such as energy drinks, may carry significantly different risks. In this context, a new scientific study has revealed the true effects of each on the heart health of adults.
The study, conducted by researchers from the American Heart Association (AHA), showed that caffeine, the most widely used stimulant in the world, is safe for most adults when consumed in doses up to 400 milligrams per day, according to The Independent. The scientific analysis, published in the journals of the American Heart Association, indicated that most adults can safely consume up to five cups of regular black coffee, each 240 milliliters in volume, per day. According to the study, this level of coffee consumption may be associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, including stroke and heart failure, in some adults.
Gregory Marcus, chair of the group that prepared the scientific statement, said that caffeine in coffee is an essential part of daily life for millions of people. He added, “Our review of the latest research indicates that consuming up to 400 milligrams of caffeine daily—equivalent to about five cups of caffeinated coffee without added sugars or other additives—is safe for most adults and does not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.”
Conversely, researchers warned that consuming large amounts of caffeine may pose greater risks, particularly when obtained from high-concentration sources such as energy drinks, which may contain three to four times the amount of caffeine found in regular coffee. Marcus added, “High doses of caffeine, such as those found in energy drinks, including concentrated beverages, can harm the heart and should be avoided.”
Researchers explained that a regular cup of coffee contains between 9.5 and 20.6 milligrams of caffeine per fluid ounce, whereas some energy drinks contain between 40 and 69 milligrams of caffeine per fluid ounce, which explains the higher caffeine intake consumers receive when drinking them.
When caffeine enters the body, the liver metabolizes it, and its concentration peaks within about an hour. During this period, it may cause a temporary increase in blood pressure, a faster heart rate, elevated blood sugar levels, as well as increased alertness and attention.
