It can temporarily increase alertness and reduce feelings of tiredness.
It can also cause a short-term increase in blood pressure, particularly in people who are not accustomed to consuming it.
The effect varies between individuals.
Some people tolerate several cups without noticeable symptoms.
Others experience:
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Palpitations.
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Anxiety.
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Trembling.
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Restlessness.
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Sleep disturbances.
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Temporary blood pressure increases.
People who experience these effects may benefit from reducing caffeine intake or choosing decaffeinated coffee.
7. How Much Coffee Is Considered Moderate?
There is no single amount that is appropriate for everyone.
For most healthy adults, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration identifies up to approximately 400 milligrams of caffeine per day as an amount not generally associated with dangerous negative effects.
This is roughly equivalent to two to four cups of coffee, depending on the type, size, and brewing method.
However, caffeine content can vary considerably.
A large coffee from a specialty shop may contain significantly more caffeine than a small homemade cup.
Who Should Be More Careful?
Certain people may need to limit caffeine more carefully.
These include:
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Pregnant individuals.
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People with certain heart rhythm disorders.
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Individuals with uncontrolled high blood pressure.
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People who experience significant anxiety from caffeine.
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Individuals with sleep disorders.
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People taking medications that interact with caffeine.
Pregnant individuals are generally advised to limit caffeine to no more than 200 milligrams daily, according to widely used medical guidance.
Personal recommendations may differ depending on health circumstances.
8. Unfiltered Coffee May Affect Cholesterol
This is another issue that many coffee drinkers do not know about.
Some coffee preparation methods allow naturally occurring compounds called diterpenes to enter the final drink.
Two important examples are cafestol and kahweol.
These compounds are found in coffee oils.
Research has shown that cafestol, in particular, can raise LDL cholesterol when consumed in substantial amounts.
Which Brewing Methods Contain More Diterpenes?
Coffee preparation methods differ in how effectively they remove coffee oils.
Unfiltered coffee methods may allow more diterpenes to enter the cup.
Examples include:
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French press coffee.
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Turkish coffee.
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Scandinavian boiled coffee.
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Certain espresso preparations.
Paper-filtered coffee generally contains lower amounts because the filter retains much of the coffee oil.
Should People With High Cholesterol Change Their Coffee Habits?
People with elevated LDL cholesterol may consider using paper-filtered coffee more frequently.
This is a relatively simple adjustment that can reduce exposure to cholesterol-raising diterpenes.
However, coffee preparation is only one factor among many.
Dietary patterns, genetics, physical activity, and medical conditions remain important determinants of cholesterol levels.
9. Adding Too Much Syrup Can Turn Coffee Into a Dessert
Specialty coffee drinks often contain flavored syrups.
These may include caramel, vanilla, chocolate, hazelnut, and other sweet flavors.
Although delicious, some drinks contain substantial amounts of added sugar.
A large flavored coffee can sometimes contain as much added sugar as a dessert.
Why Is This Easy to Overlook?
People often think of coffee as a beverage rather than a source of calories.
However, sweetened coffee drinks can contribute significantly to daily energy intake.
For example, a drink containing:
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Sweetened syrup.
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Flavored creamer.
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Whipped cream.
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Chocolate topping.
May contain far more calories and added sugar than a simple cup of coffee.
When consumed frequently, these drinks can make it easier to exceed daily calorie requirements.
A Better Approach
Try reducing the number of syrup pumps.
Choose unsweetened flavor extracts when appropriate.
Ask for less sweetener.
Consider cinnamon or cocoa powder without added sugar for additional flavor.
Small changes can make a noticeable difference over time.
10. High-Sugar Coffee Can Affect Blood Glucose
People with diabetes or insulin resistance should pay particular attention to what they add to coffee.
Black coffee contains very little carbohydrate.
However, sweetened creamers, syrups, condensed milk, and sugar can significantly increase carbohydrate intake.
These ingredients may raise blood glucose.
Why Does Blood Sugar Matter?
When glucose levels remain elevated over time, blood vessels and nerves can become damaged.
Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
People with diabetes are also more likely to have other cardiovascular risk factors, including high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels.
What Should People With Diabetes Choose?
Depending on individual dietary needs, options may include:
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Black coffee.
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Unsweetened coffee with a small amount of milk.
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Unsweetened plant-based milk.
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Coffee with a carefully measured amount of sweetener.
People taking diabetes medications should consider their overall carbohydrate intake and follow their healthcare provider's advice.
11. Can Drinking Coffee Raise Blood Pressure?
Caffeine can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure.
This effect is usually more noticeable in people who consume caffeine infrequently.
Regular coffee drinkers may develop partial tolerance.
However, individual responses vary.
Some people experience noticeable increases in blood pressure even with relatively small amounts of caffeine.