Kenneth Glad
Millions of people wake up and immediately reach for a warm mug of coffee. The daily routine often repeats itself at work. You might start feeling guilty by the third or fourth refill, but fresh medical data offers a comforting answer.
You can safely enjoy up to five cups a day. That is the final verdict from a recent American Heart Association review, according to NRK. Medical experts found that the drink can actively protect your heart.
Doctor and researcher Håvard Skjellegrind drinks up to six cups daily himself. He studies health trends at a Norwegian medical center. “I think many people are afraid that coffee is more harmful than it actually is,” he told NRK.
Medical experts track this popular beverage constantly. Between 2020 and 2024, thousands of studies examined its effects on the human body. The published results consistently link the drink to a much lower risk of developing severe conditions like cancer, depression, and type 2 diabetes.
A protective shield
Antioxidants provide the biggest benefit. Skjellegrind notes that the dark liquid supplies up to 65 percent of these protective compounds in a standard diet. They actively fight off harmful oxygen molecules inside the body.
A recent study from Queen Mary University of London provides an interesting clue. Caffeine essentially forces your cells to enter a temporary power-saving mode. By slowing down, the body gets a rare chance to repair deep tissue damage and stay healthy.
These internal repairs explain why the dark brew keeps showing positive results in medical trials. The daily habit seems to actively maintain cellular youth over decades.
Knowing your limits
Norway trails only Finland in global consumption. A massive 69 percent of Norwegian adults drink coffee daily. According to NRK, this widespread habit thrives at social gatherings and long study sessions.
However, moderation remains important. Pushing past five cups a day can slowly damage your bone health over time.
Sleep is another major factor to consider. Caffeine stays in your blood for up to 12 hours, meaning those late afternoon refills can easily ruin a good night of sleep.
Student Leo Liberkowski told the broadcaster he always stops drinking right after lunch. “As long as it doesn’t get to be too much, it is fine,” he said.
Sources: NRK, American Heart Association, Queen Mary University of London
