For those of us who depend on our daily dose of cuppa, evidence is in: Coffee is not bad. Some studies indicate it may even have some health benefits. Many experts agree that moderate daily caffeine intake—300 to 400 milligrams, that is about three to four cups of coffee is not harmful at all.

For long, coffee has been accused of being addictive, but the fact is that coffee stimulates the central nervous system and has been used by doctors  as a heart stimulant. Moderate consumption of coffee increases general well being, endurance and energy.

Many people think that people who drink a lot of coffee are more prone to heart attacks. The fact, however, is that “drinking  coffee can only lead to acidity. Excessive consumption can lead to irregularities in heart beats but definitely not to heart attacks” says Dr Upendra Kaul, Director Cardiology, Fortis Health Care. The doctor explains that there is no significant relationship between caffeine consumption and development of stroke or cardiovascular disease.

The other myth related to coffee is that pregnant women should avoid coffee as it increases the risk of habitual miscarriage, still and breech births. It’s believed that coffee also increases the risks of breast cancer and ovary damage. But pregnant women can take coffee in moderation and it has no adverse effect on the outcome of the pregnancy or the infant’s health. “I always recommend three to four cups of coffee to pregnant women as coffee definitely has no effect on the outcomes of pregnancy” says Dr.Tripath Chaudhary, Consultant Gynecologist and Obstetrician of Fortis Lafemme.

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