Up to Five Cups a Day: New Coffee Guideline Finds Heart Safety in Moderation

The American Heart Association says most adults can safely drink up to five cups of black coffee per day (about 400 mg caffeine) without increasing cardiovascular disease risk, as long as sugars, syrups, and dairy aren’t added; high caffeine doses from energy drinks may harm the heart and should be avoided, while unfiltered coffee may raise LDL cholesterol. Caffeine from other sources contributes to total intake, and individual factors mean there’s no one-size-fits-all limit.