A new study published in The Journal of Affective Disorders (Netherlands) shows that caffeine – especially from coffee – affects each person differently; drinking coffee in moderation may be beneficial for mental health.
2-3 cups a day might be the "ideal limit".
The study used data from the UK Biobank, which tracked the eating habits of over 461,000 people for an average of 13.4 years. During this time, 18,220 new cases of emotional disorders and 18,547 new cases of stress-related disorders were recorded.
When compared to the amount of coffee consumed, the group that drank 2-3 cups of coffee per day (each cup approximately 240 ml) had the lowest risk of developing the aforementioned disorders. Conversely, the groups that drank more or less than this amount had a higher risk. This association was also more pronounced in men, according to Health (USA).
When consumed in moderation, coffee can help reduce inflammation and alleviate anxiety.
PHOTO: N. Quyen (Created by whom)
It is beneficial if consumed in moderation, but caution is advised.
When consumed in moderation, coffee may offer several potential benefits for mental well-being:
Coffee is rich in antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and may lower anxiety levels. The polyphenols in coffee support brain health and regulate stress responses.
Caffeine can boost the activity of dopamine—the "feel-good hormone"—which helps reduce feelings of anxiety.
Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors, temporarily reducing feelings of fatigue and increasing alertness. For some people, this helps them feel more focused and less stressed.
Experts emphasize that everyone reacts to caffeine differently and coffee is not a cure for anxiety. Even at high doses, caffeine can worsen anxiety by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and stimulating the nervous system. People prone to anxiety, high blood pressure, or irregular heartbeats should be especially cautious.
Some people who are sensitive to caffeine may experience restlessness, nervousness, and a rapid heartbeat even with small amounts. Drinking coffee on an empty stomach, being sleep-deprived, or having a slow caffeine metabolism can also increase the likelihood of these symptoms.
If you're unsure how coffee affects you, observe how you feel after drinking it. If you feel alert, focused, and relaxed, coffee may be right for you. Conversely, if you experience trembling hands, nervousness, anxiety, or insomnia, coffee may be having a negative impact on you.