Every morning, I fire up my Aeropress, carefully prepare a Colombian-roast cappuccino, and embrace that velvety froth as my mental ignition. It’s not just the taste—coffee helps me wake up, sharpen my focus for seeing patients, and provides that social lift when catching up with friends at a café. Coffee has also been found to have numerous health benefits including heart benefits (see below). That said, I’ve noticed that too much caffeine can make sleep difficult for me and my patients.
What Does the Research Say?
Moderate Coffee Intake and Heart Health
A large UK study found that ½ to 3 cups per day—was linked with lower risk of death from all causes and cardiovascular disease, as well as reduced incidence of stroke over a median follow-up of 11 years. Intriguingly, both regular and high coffee consumption were associated with healthier cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) metrics—like larger ventricular volumes and higher LV mass—suggesting a possible reverse of age-related heart changes.
Another study reported that drinking two to three cups per day, regardless of whether it’s ground, instant or decaf, was linked with a longer lifespan and lower risk of cardiovascular disease—particularly strong for decaf (14% lower death risk), followed by ground (27%) and instant (11%).
Caffeine Sensitivity and Heart Effects
According to the British Heart Foundation, a moderate amount of coffee—about four to five cups a day—should be safe for most people, without harmful impacts on cholesterol or heart rhythm British Heart Foundation. Coffee can temporarily raise blood pressure, but habitual drinkers often develop tolerance. However, those sensitive to caffeine may experience palpitations—if that’s you, it’s wise to reduce intake. (Don’t forget, drinks like diet coke do have caffeine).
Also key: what’s in your coffee matters. Sugars and whole-fat milk can add calories and saturated fat, potentially increasing weight or cholesterol. Switching to unsweetened coffee and lower-fat milk is smarter.
Hydration and Daily Fluid Intake
The NHS reminds us that drinks like tea and coffee do count toward daily fluid needs—aiming for about 6 to 8 cups of fluid per day, including water, lower-fat milk, and sugar-free drinks. They also caution to consume caffeine in moderation and recognise that sensitivity varies between individuals. See my blog on getting plenty of fluids.
Caffeine and Cognitive Performance
Caffeine is well-known for its stimulating properties—it improves alertness, reaction time, concentration, and motor coordination. These benefits typically kick in about an hour after consumption and last for a few hours. That aligns perfectly with how your morning cappuccino helps you gear up for a busy day.
Putting It All Together
Is coffee healthy? Yes—when enjoyed in moderation. The current evidence shows it’s far more friend than foe:
- 0.5 to 3 cups daily may support longevity and heart health.
- Different types—ground, instant, even decaf—appear beneficial, though ground showed especially strong cardiovascular links.
- Caffeine boosts focus and energy, justifying why your cappuccino is such a welcome ritual.
- But overdoing it (especially beyond ~4 cups or late in the day) can disrupt sleep, raise heart rate or blood pressure, or lead to jitteriness—especially if you’re sensitive.
- Choosing minimal additives (less sugar, lower-fat milk) preserves the benefits.
- And don’t forget—coffee still helps hydrate you!
In summary: Your cozy frothy cappuccino, isn’t just a mood booster—it’s supported by research as a potentially heart-healthy habit, so long as you keep it moderate and mindful. Enjoy your brew—cheers to healthy, happy mornings!
References:
Judit Simon, Kenneth Fung, Zahra Raisi-Estabragh, Nay Aung, Mohammed Y Khanji, Márton Kolossváry, Béla Merkely, Patricia B Munroe, Nicholas C Harvey, Stefan K Piechnik, Stefan Neubauer, Steffen E Petersen, Pál Maurovich-Horvat, Light to moderate coffee consumption is associated with lower risk of death: a UK Biobank study, European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, Volume 29, Issue 6, April 2022, Pages 982–991
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-guidelines-and-food-labels/water-drinks-nutrition/
Diary of a Medic 
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