A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association says that consuming up to 400 milligrams of caffeine a day, roughly five 8-ounce cups of black coffee, is generally safe for most healthy adults. The statement goes further, suggesting this level of intake may actually be linked to a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, heart failure and Type 2 diabetes, offering reassurance to regular coffee drinkers who have worried about the health effects of their habit.

The findings were published on Monday in the journal Circulation, with cardiologists highlighting the research as evidence that moderate coffee consumption need not be a cause for concern for the average adult. The guidance centres on a threshold of five cups a day, positioning coffee as a beverage with potential protective benefits for the heart and metabolism rather than simply a risk to be minimised.