Study Eases Concerns About Coffee: Moderate Consumption May Bring Health Benefits, Including Protection Against Diabetes

For most healthy adults, drinking coffee in moderation does not pose a health risk. On the contrary, it may be associated with several positive effects.

The latest data show that up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day is a safe level for most adults. This amount is equivalent to around three to five cups of filter coffee, although caffeine levels may vary depending on the type of coffee and the preparation method.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) estimates that a 200-milliliter cup of filtered coffee contains approximately 90 milligrams of caffeine, while a 60-milliliter espresso contains around 80 milligrams. Coffee has been the subject of study for more than 150 years, and attitudes toward it have changed over the years. According to a number of studies, moderate consumption may now be linked to a lower risk of heart and blood vessel diseases.

Nevertheless, specialists emphasize that a large part of these conclusions is based on observational studies. These studies identify a link between coffee drinking and health status, but do not prove that coffee is directly responsible for these benefits. People also do not all respond to caffeine in the same way. However, regular consumption may help the body adapt, gradually reducing its effects over time.

Other studies have found that continuous coffee consumption is associated with a lower likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. The same link has also been observed among people who drink decaffeinated coffee. For researchers, this finding suggests that other compounds in coffee may play an important role and may be at least as significant as caffeine.