We know that moderate amounts don’t seem to have a negative impact on your heart. Two recent studies suggested that drinking coffee was linked to longer life expectancy, but we need more research to understand what is behind this link. Sugar, syrups, whole milk and cream add calories and saturated fat that could cause weight gain and increase cholesterol levels Can I have coffee as part of a heart-healthy diet? So if you enjoy energy drinks, choose sugar-free versions where possible. They can contain nearly seven teaspoons of sugar in one 250ml can – that’s the maximum amount we should be consuming in a whole day. However, there are other reasons why you might want to avoid energy drinks. Remember that caffeine is found in quite a few sources including: tea, green tea, coffee, energy drinks, cola and chocolate Should I avoid energy drinks because of their caffeine content?Įnergy drinks have a bad reputation for their caffeine content, but in reality they contain 80mg of caffeine per 250ml – that’s less than a mug of instant coffee, which has 100mg, and only slightly more than a mug of tea, which has 75mg. Remember that caffeine is found in quite a few sources including: tea, green tea, coffee, energy drinks, cola and chocolate. If this is you, then it’s sensible to avoid caffeine. Some people are more sensitive to caffeine and can experience palpitations. Research shows that this level of caffeine intake shouldn’t be detrimental to your heart health, affect your cholesterol levels or heart rhythm.Īlthough drinking coffee has been shown to increase blood pressure, this effect is usually temporary and is minimised over time if you drink caffeinated drinks regularly.
While there is often concern about the links between caffeine and heart health, a moderate amount of tea or coffee (four or five cups a day) should be fine for most people.
Is drinking tea and coffee bad for my heart? And how much caffeine is too much? BHF dietitian Victoria Taylor says: