Why Researchers Suggest Limiting Your Coffee Intake

Don't worry: We're not here to tell you to cease the habit entirely. But ...

Take two minutes to read, explore, and reflect. By Wendy Rose Gould & Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief Top of Mind Why Researchers Suggest Limiting Your Coffee Intake    For daily coffee drinkers, few moments are as precious or as satisfactory as that first sip in the morning. More than that, your morning cup—and perhaps the cups that follow—might help fuel your productivity.   Don't worry: We're not here to tell you to cease the habit entirely. In fact, research has shown that caffeine is linked to increased alertness, focus, and concentration. It's also been shown to improve energy levels and mood, and can even help with certain physical ailments.   All that said, it's important to moderate your coffee. A new study (the largest of its kind to date) has concluded that too much coffee intake can increase your risk of dementia. The study assessed data from 17,702 participants and found that the risk of dementia increased by 53% for those who consumed more than six cups of coffee a day.   Interestingly, the study also concluded that light coffee consumption—about one to two cups per day—can have the inverse effect by protecting against when compared to zero coffee consumption.     Our findings reinforce the message that moderation is important with respect to coffee intakes, as it is with most things in life." — ELINA HYPPONEN, PHD  What This Means For You We get it. Reaching for one cup after another on a stressful or busy day can feel like a habit. Research has consistently found that coffee can be good for you, but only in moderation.   Starting now, try to limit your intake to one to two cups per day. That might mean slowing your sip, ordering the smaller size at the drive-through, using a smaller mug, or saying no to that late afternoon or early evening pick-me-up.      On the Bright Side Ways to Stay Positive This Week What's Inspiring Us You don't have to rely solely on coffee to shake you out of your sleepiness! A cold glass of water, a 5-minute meditation, or even an energizing playlist can get your day started right. This week, put on the Wake Up Happy playlist on Spotify. Products to Help You Feel Your Best Live that venti coffee life vicariously through a candle scented like coffee. Anecdote Candles' Coffee Break candle is a heavenly blend of French roast and coconuts. Start your morning off right with bestselling author Linnea Dunne's Good Mornings: Morning Rituals for Wellness, Peace, and Purpose. It shows how building a life-affirming ritual into your morning routine is an act of self-care. Read These Next What to Expect From Caffeine Withdrawal READ NOW How to Feel Less Tired and More Alert During the Day READ NOW Watching TV Could Exacerbate Cognitive Decline READ NOW Spread the Light Share the newsletter with someone you know to make their day a little brighter. SHARE We're open to suggestions! If you have any feedback about this newsletter, let us know at feedback@verywell.com.     You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Healthy Mind newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. If someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here!   A DOTDASH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005   © 2021 Verywellmind.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy