American Heart Association says up to 5 cups of coffee a day is safe for most adults

ANBAR, Iraq — The American Heart Association said in a new scientific statement that moderate caffeine consumption does not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease for most healthy adults and may, according to some studies, be linked to a lower risk of certain heart conditions. The statement sets the safe daily caffeine intake for adults at roughly 400 milligrams, equivalent to three to five cups of black coffee, though the group noted that the actual amount varies with the type of coffee and brewing method. Caffeine consumed without added sugar, flavoring or cream has been associated in regular drinkers with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, heart failure, stroke and some arrhythmias, the association said. Dr. Gregory M. Marcus, chair of the statement-writing group and a professor at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, said caffeine is part of daily life for millions of people and that moderate consumption does not raise cardiovascular risk. The statement also warned that high doses of caffeine, particularly concentrated forms found in energy drinks, can cause elevated blood pressure and cardiac rhythm disturbances.