Since coffee first made headlines decades ago, sporadic warnings about its potential to raise blood pressure and heart rate, disrupt sleep quality and even cause cancer have circulated widely. More recently however, research suggests that depending on its quantity and timing of intake caffeine may actually promote health – the World Health Organization even removed it from their list of possible carcinogens!

However, the debate remains far from settled: while some studies link moderate coffee consumption with reduced risks of heart disease, others don’t. Consuming it late in the day may interfere with sleep as caffeine locks into receptors used by natural sleep-aid adenosine and blocks its effectiveness for helping you fall asleep faster.

Experts agree that moderation is key if you want to maintain heart health through coffee consumption. Aiming for two to three cups a day should provide enough energy without raising blood pressure or disrupting deep and restorative sleep, while caffeinated sodas or energy drinks typically contain large quantities of sugar and artificial ingredients that add calories. Pregnant women or those breastfeeding should abstain as too much caffeine can pass the placenta and harm their foetus.