How Much Caffeine Should You Really Have?

We've all been guilty of relying too hard on our daily caffeine (as opposed to a great night's sleep) for our energy throughout the day. Although we are proponents of great rest here at Muse, we're all still coffee connoisseurs and want to get to the bottom of how much we should really be having each day!

According to the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, there is a sweet spot- 4 cups a day, max. We feel like this is exciting news since we were preparing ourselves to hear that we should be cutting our morning fix dramatically. Your 4 cups do have some stipulations though, keep reading for a full rundown on your daily coffee intake:

Drinking 4 cups might not only be tolerable, but actually healthy for us

• People who drink coffee are less likely to die from cardiovascular disease, heart disease, stroke or diabetes 

• Regular coffee drinking may lower the risk of liver disease, as well as Alzheimer's and dementia 

4 cups are safe for most people

• If you're suffering from high blood pressure, acid reflux, or an anxiety disorder you might want to cut caffeine entirely…

• Four cups are the max, not what everyone should drink. If your body doesn't respond well to larger amounts of caffeine (or caffeine at all) cut it back or out entirely. Listen to your body's signals! 

The study was done with 8 oz cups of black coffee

• A typical small-sized to-go cup is 12 oz. (so adjust accordingly)

• The coffee in the study did not have sugar/sugary syrups or dairy (creamer, lattes, cappuccinos). Adding these items may lessen the benefits or send them firmly into unhealthy territory.

• You could also switch these cups of coffee out for plain green tea!

• Make sure you're always balancing caffeine intake with lots of water

Make sure you don't consume caffeine too late in the day

• Caffeine intake should be cut off at least 6 hours before bedtime

• If you need an afternoon pick-me-up, try an ice-cold glass of water