What Happens If You Drink Coffee Every Day? Nutritionists Spill the Beans

"Coffee, coffee, coffee," said Lorelai Gilmore, fictional TV mom and all-around pop culture icon, throughout several episodes of the 2000s hit show, Gilmore Girls. Similar to her character, many people can't get through the day without one or more cups of Joe, but is there such a thing as too much coffee? While it's great for waking you up and boosting your energy, the famed beverage often gets a bad rap. So, is it beneficial to drink coffee every day? Are there any concerning health risks? As coffee connoisseurs, we turned to the experts to reveal all the info about the popular brew. Keep reading to learn what happens if you drink coffee every day and how to maintain a responsible sipping habit.

What will drinking coffee every day do to your body? The benefits

Coffee lovers rejoice! You can drink coffee every day as long as it complements meals rather than replaces them. "Coffee is a common source of polyphenol antioxidants such as chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid," says Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, preventive cardiology dietitian at EntirelyNourished.com. It's also a great source of phosphorus and magnesium. (The average woman should be getting 420 grams of magnesium per day, according to the National Institute of Health.)

Routhenstein adds that "these antioxidants help fight inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and certain cancers." Since it's made up of water, drinking coffee black without any syrups, creams or sugars can help keep you hydrated.

You'll be more alert after drinking coffee

It's no wonder people gravitate towards coffee when they first wake up. "Coffee contains caffeine, a stimulant that blocks adenosine receptors in the brain," says Routhenstein. "This blockage prevents adenosine, which promotes sleepiness, from signaling the brain to feel tired, resulting in increased alertness."

The nerve cells in your brain speed up and because of this, you're also producing adrenaline. Typically, after drinking a cup of coffee, you get excited and your heart beats faster, per How Stuff Works.

You'll improve your mood after drinking coffee

If you're feeling down, you may want to make a cup of coffee. Coffee lovers agree that the beverage can boost their mood and according to a 2019 study published in the Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology, they may be onto something.

The findings analyzed a group of caffeinated vs. non-caffeinated adults and the data showed that "caffeinated coffee showed higher and significant improvement of mood than decaffeinated coffee."

You'll improve your physical wellbeing

Rather than solely drinking water before your next workout, you may want to incorporate some coffee. "Caffeine prompts the release of stored fats from fat tissues into the bloodstream, providing muscles with additional energy during physical activity," explains Routhenstein.

What happens if you drink coffee every day? The cons

It's no surprise that coffee can impact your sleeping habits, and Routhenstein points out this is especially true if you're drinking it later in the day. "Consuming coffee in large amounts can interfere with sleep patterns, leading to difficulty falling asleep or disrupted sleep."

Coffee also stimulates bowel movements which can be helpful but can cause pain if too much is consumed. Routhensteins says this is because coffee stimulates stomach acid production, which potentially causes acid reflux, heartburn, or gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.

How to make drinking coffee every day a healthy habit

The good thing is you don't have to quit coffee cold turkey. Instead, Routhenstein recommends limiting your intake to 16 ounces a day and avoiding creamers and sugars if you can. She also says to "choose brewing methods that filter out substances like kahweol and cafestol, which can potentially raise cholesterol levels."

Keep in mind that coffee consumption varies based on your health profile. For example, pregnant women shouldn't be drinking so much caffeine because high levels can potentially affect fetal development. Additionally, "Individuals who are sensitive to caffeine, or have conditions such as anxiety disorders, irregular heartbeats, or gastrointestinal issues, should also consult healthcare providers regarding their coffee limitations due to its stimulating effects," says Routhenstein.

For more healthy beverages:

Dr. Bob Arnot: Drinking This Dunkin’ or McDonald’s Coffee Helps Boost Weight Loss

When It Comes to Black Tea vs. Green Tea, Which Brew Is Better for You? Experts Weigh In

Does the Coffee Loophole Really Help with Weight Loss? Top Nutrition Experts Weigh in

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.