If you are like many other American adults, you are already drinking coffee every day, probably in the morning and possibly in the afternoon or evening. Drinking coffee is fine when it's done in moderation. But if you drink too much coffee, you might start having some unpleasant side effects.
Disease Prevention
Drinking one to three cups of coffee daily may reduce your risk of developing some diseases, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. Recent studies suggest that the incidence of heart disease, cancer, cirrhosis, Parkinson's disease and gallstones may be lower among coffee drinkers than among those who don't drink coffee. These findings, however, have been based on observational research.
Mental and Physical Boost
It's no secret that caffeine can keep you awake, but Georgetown University also reports that caffeine boosts metabolism and stimulates the central nervous system. While some people drink coffee just for that boost, too much caffeine can lead to anxiety, irritability, headaches, muscle tremors, sleeplessness and diarrhea. Drink fewer than six cups of coffee a day to avoid these side effects.
Possible Birth Defects
Women who are pregnant may want to moderate their consumption of coffee or discontinue it altogether. The Harvard School of Public Health reports that although the findings are not conclusive, two studies conducted in 2010 found that pregnant women who consumed an average 145 mg of caffeine daily during their first trimester were more likely to have miscarriages and stillbirths. If you're pregnant, talk with your doctor about the caffeine you're consuming.
Caffeine Addiction
Recent studies have shown that caffeine may be addictive, according to John Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. As many as five studies in the last 20 years have shown that you can develop an unhealthy dependence on caffeine.
Excess Calories
Coffee can pose another problem when you start adding things to it. Those extras, such as cream, sugar and other flavorings, can add calories to your daily diet. An 8-oz. cup of black coffee has only two calories, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. But a 16-oz. peppermint white chocolate mocha from Starbucks has 460 calories and 12 g of fat.
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