Caffeinated Coffee and Tea May Reduce Heart Attack, Diabetes Risk

Drinking 2-3 cups per day offers the most benefits, according to a new study.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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A new study found that drinking 2-3 cups of caffeinated coffee or tea per day may reduce the risk of cardiometabolic diseases like heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes by up to 50%. The antioxidants and other compounds in these beverages help protect cells, improve blood sugar processing, lower inflammation, and keep blood vessels healthy.

Why it matters

This study adds to the growing evidence that moderate coffee and tea consumption can play a role in preventing major health conditions like heart disease and diabetes, which have a significant global burden. Incorporating these beverages into an overall healthy lifestyle could be an effective dietary strategy for reducing cardiometabolic risk.

The details

The study analyzed the coffee and tea drinking habits of 188,000 people in the UK Biobank. Researchers found that people who consumed 200-300 mg of caffeine per day from coffee, tea, or a mix of both had the lowest risk of developing cardiometabolic disease over the 12-year follow-up period. Coffee drinkers saw the greatest risk reduction of nearly 50%, while tea drinkers had about a 40% lower risk. The benefits were most pronounced for up to 3 cups per day, and even heavy caffeine consumers (over 400 mg/day) did not see negative health impacts.

  • The study was published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism in 2026.
  • Researchers followed up with participants after about 12 years.

The players

Adedapo Iluyomade, M.D.

A preventative cardiologist with Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute.

Melissa Mroz-Planells, D.C.N., R.D.N.

A national media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and member of the Prevention Medical Review Board.

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What they’re saying

“Both coffee and tea can improve how your body processes sugar, lower inflammation, and keep blood vessels healthy, which can prevent conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.”

— Adedapo Iluyomade, M.D., Preventative Cardiologist (Prevention)

“Adding too much cream and sugar can be contrary to lowering your risk.”

— Melissa Mroz-Planells, D.C.N., R.D.N., National Media Spokesperson, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Prevention)

What’s next

The FDA recommends most adults consume no more than 400 mg of caffeine per day, which is about 2-3 cups of coffee. People with certain health conditions should discuss safe caffeine limits with their doctor.

The takeaway

Moderate consumption of caffeinated coffee and tea, around 2-3 cups per day, may be an effective dietary strategy for reducing the risk of major cardiometabolic diseases like heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. However, it's important to be mindful of added sugars and creams that can negate some of these benefits.