We use it to wake up, stay focused and get work done.

But two age-old questions about the world’s most widely used psychoactive substance linger: How much coffee is too much? And is it actually good for your health?

First, go easy on cream and sugar

As long as you limit cream and sugar, coffee isn’t fattening like other caffeine-based substances such as energy drinks and soda. The calorie content in a plain cup of brewed coffee is next to nothing, and there’s no fat either.

Loading up a coffee with too much cream or sugar can drown out some of the positive health associations it provides.

How much coffee is too much?

There’s ongoing dissent in the health community about how much coffee one should drink.

Among recent studies, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded in March that six eight-ounce cups or more per day can increase risk of cardiovascular disease by 22%. The study examined nearly 350,000 individuals.

But is coffee good for you?

Many studies, like the ones cited above, suggest that up to four cups of coffee is a safe amount, but is it actually beneficial for you?

Several studies associate normal coffee consumption with health benefits, but they don’t prove causation.

According to the previously mentioned AJCN study, people who don’t drink coffee have a 11% higher chance of cardiovascular disease than those who consume one to two cups per day. The study found decaf drinkers had a 7% higher chance of developing cardiovascular disease as well.

 

What about for children and teens?

Of course, caffeine is not limited to adults, and caffeine intake for those 18 and under should be more closely monitored, as you might expect.