Are you drinking (enough) coffee?

Coffee drinkers rejoice. Last week, the US Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee released a report with various recommendations which is set to influence nutritional and diet-related policy and programs in the US as well as abroad. It was the same report that ruled cholesterol is no longer a nutrient of concern.

Among many other recommendations, the report suggests that consuming three to five cups of coffee per day, or up to 400mg of caffeine, may afford a number of important health benefits.

Evidence suggests moderate coffee consumption by healthy adults may decrease the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It may also lessen the risk of Parkinson’s disease.

This comes as good news for runners who already know caffeine has been shown to increase focus and reaction time, achieve and maintain hydration, promote fat burning, enhance glycogen storage and improve athletic performance.

The report does come with a caveat warning about the safety of high-caffeine beverages and products such as energy drinks, especially for children and youth.