If you’re like many Americans, you can’t imagine starting your day without a steaming cup o’joe. This comforting beverage will give you a boost of energy, but it is only too easy to find yourself jittery and irritable if you drink too many cups. Everyone has different preferences and tolerance levels when it comes to the caffeine and the acidity of coffee. Some people are more sensitive, while others can drink to their heart’s content without any issues. 

Find out how coffee came to play such a big role in American culture and the benefits of enjoying your morning cup. Coffee is best in moderation, however, so we’re also sharing how much coffee is too much. Keep your consumption within healthy limits and enjoy this drink guilt-free.

Why Does America Love Coffee?

While other countries show preference to tea or yerba mate, Americans tend to get their caffeine fix from a good old cup of coffee. 

History of coffee 

Coffee was first brought over to the area of New Amsterdam, which would later become New York, in the 1600s. Americans embraced coffee even more after the Revolutionary War, when tea became synonymous with British influence. During the Civil War, coffee was part of Army life, leading to widespread love for the beverage. It became a staple in the American diet, which was made even easier when at-home coffee makers became popular. Today, coffee is part of the hustle and bustle of getting up in the morning to start the day.

Coffee is a drink enjoyed around the world and each country has its own version. American-style coffee is typically made using a filter. Hot water passes through the filter, which is filled with ground coffee beans. You can drink it black or add milk, sugar, and other flavorings. This coffee tends to be weaker than other versions, which are made with stronger and more intense espresso, but is a good base to add extra flavorings.

Benefits of Drinking Coffee

Coffee can work with a healthy diet when consumed in moderation.

1. Reduce your chance for disease - Some studies found that coffee drinkers are less likely to develop certain chronic conditions and diseases. These include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and heart disease. Coffee can also help keep your digestive system on track, leading to a reduced risk of developing colon cancer. The key is to keep the amount of coffee that you drink in check. Too much caffeine can have negative impacts on your health and even decaf coffee is highly acidic, which may bother some people.
2. Be more alert - The reason that many people start their day with coffee is because it can give an extra boost of energy and attention. This is due to the caffeine in the beverage, but too much can be a bad thing. In moderation, coffee will reduce fatigue and help you feel more awake. Decaf coffee doesn’t have the same impact, but does work for those who don’t want to have the boost of caffeine. If you are sensitive, you can always do a half-caf coffee, which combines regular and decaf brews.

How Much Coffee Is Too Much?

Stick to a few cups of coffee at the most to keep from getting unhealthy amounts of caffeine. 

1. Under 400 mg of caffeine - One reason to keep from going overboard on your daily cup (or cups) of coffee is that most brews contain caffeine. This stimulant impacts your nervous system, which is why many people turn to coffee for that extra jolt of energy in the morning. But too much caffeine can have the opposite effect and actually make you less productive overall. The Mayo Clinic recommends keeping caffeine intake to 400 milligrams or less per day. Keep in mind that you get caffeine from other sources as well, such as sodas.
2. The ideal number of cups - According to the FDA, a 12-ounce cup of coffee has between 133 and 200 milligrams of caffeine. Of course, this varies based on the specific type of coffee, the concentration of the brew, and even the beans themselves. It’s important to remember that you get caffeine from other sources, including energy drinks, sodas, chocolate, and cookies. So if you frequently enjoy these other treats, you may need to adjust your coffee intake to keep from overloading your system with caffeine.
3. Does decaf coffee have caffeine? - Even though it’s called decaffeinated coffee, decaf brew still contains some caffeine. It’s a good option for those who can’t handle the jolt of full-caffeine coffee, but it might still be too much for those who are very sensitive. It’s also important to keep the caffeine in mind when you’re tracking your daily cups. You can’t drink an unlimited amount of decaf coffee, since it still adds to your overall caffeine intake. Each cup has around 2 milligrams of caffeine, which is very small, but might still give you a jolt if you’re not used to coffee.

Enjoy your morning brew, enjoy potential health benefits, and stay alert by sticking to just a few cups of coffee. While each person reacts to caffeine differently and you may need to adjust for your own preferences and needs, keeping your caffeine intake below 400 milligrams per day is generally recommended for most adults.