Coffee in Our Everyday Life – How Many Cups, and When?
One of my most vivid childhood memories about coffee is a cup my grandmother used to make for herself – brewed coffee, gently mixed with a spoonful of liqueur.
She never skipped this little ritual that was so precious to her, so there was always an endless supply of Brazilian instant coffee in our home. I was always curious: why did this doctor drink so much coffee, especially when all the adults kept saying, “Too much coffee is dangerous, children don’t drink coffee…”
Today, when we have so many scientific studies about this aromatic, energising drink, let’s take a look together at the main benefits of coffee – and also talk about the limitations and situations when we should be more careful.
Coffee – just a pleasant drink?
Coffee isn’t only an uplifting, tasty drink – it’s also a tiny pause in the day.
For many people, the first cup in the morning or a short afternoon coffee break is their favourite five minutes of the whole day: a warm cup in your hands, a quick chat with someone, or simply a moment alone with your thoughts.
Based on more and more research, we can now say that moderate coffee consumption is often linked with several positive effects.
A large review published in the BMJ (British Medical Journal) – Coffee consumption and health, which summarised more than 200 studies – found that drinking 3–4 cups of coffee a day was, in many cases, associated more with benefits than with harm.
Reviews from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health – Nutrition Source also point out that moderate coffee intake (about 2–4 cups per day) is often associated with:
- a slightly lower risk of heart disease
- a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes
- and in some cases, a lower risk of stroke
So it’s quite reasonable to say that, for healthy adults, a moderate amount of coffee can be a natural part of a balanced everyday routine.
When is coffee not the best choice?
Of course, there are situations when coffee is not the ideal option. It’s important to limit coffee consumption:
- during pregnancy
- in case of arrhythmia or uncontrolled high blood pressure
- when we struggle with anxiety or insomnia
- when we are very sensitive to caffeine
Here are a few practical rules to keep in mind:
- Avoid drinking coffee on an empty stomach if you have digestive issues.
- Try to have your last cup at least 6 hours before bedtime.
- Pay attention to what you add to your coffee: lots of sugar and flavoured syrups can easily turn it into a dessert.
And for those who love the taste of coffee but are sensitive to caffeine, decaffeinated coffee can be a wonderful solution.
To sum it up
For most healthy adults, moderate coffee consumption is generally safe and is often linked with several potential health benefits.
“Moderate” means the amount that:
- helps you focus and concentrate
- doesn’t disturb your sleep
- and feels like a natural part of your daily life
If you want your coffee break to become a real moment of pleasure – and you’d like to explore new flavours and blends – visit our online shop and discover the Cafés Richard coffee collection in Georgia.
