Health

Up to Five Cups of Coffee a Day May Be Safe for Most Adults, Review Finds

Published

1 hour ago

July 22, 2026

Drinking up to five cups of coffee a day may be safe for most adults and could be associated with a lower risk of several health problems, according to a major review by the American Heart Association.

The review found that consuming up to 400 milligrams of caffeine a day, roughly equivalent to five cups of caffeinated coffee, does not generally increase cardiovascular risk for most adults. Moderate consumption, particularly between two and four cups daily, was also linked to the lowest risk of death in the research examined.

“The equivalent of up to five cups of caffeinated coffee per day without added sugars or fillers is safe and does not increase cardiovascular risk,” said Gregory M. Marcus, a co-author of the paper and professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco.

The analysis found that moderate coffee consumption may be associated with better heart health and a lower risk of conditions including heart failure, heart disease and stroke. Some individuals also appeared to have a lower risk of high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.

Coffee is the main source of caffeine for many adults, but daily intake can also come from tea, chocolate, fizzy drinks and some over-the-counter and prescription medicines. The researchers said less is known about the effects of caffeine from these sources, particularly at high levels.

Energy drinks were highlighted as an area requiring further study because large amounts of caffeine and other ingredients may pose cardiovascular risks.

Caffeine is processed by the liver and usually reaches its highest concentration in the blood within about an hour of consumption. The way people respond to it varies widely, however, depending on genetics, metabolism, age and previous caffeine intake.

Regular coffee drinkers may develop some tolerance, while others can experience strong effects from relatively small amounts.

“Although research suggests that caffeine consumption may be associated with certain cardiovascular benefits for some people, it’s important to remember that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ strategy for safe caffeine consumption,” Marcus said.

He added that an amount that is reasonable for one person could cause side effects such as heart palpitations, anxiety or sleep disruption in another.

The researchers also warned that the way coffee is prepared can affect its overall health impact. Large amounts of added sugar, flavoured syrups and high-calorie dairy products can significantly increase calorie intake and may reduce the potential benefits associated with coffee itself.

The findings suggest that moderate, unsweetened coffee consumption can fit into a healthy lifestyle for many adults, but individual tolerance remains an important factor when deciding how much caffeine to consume.

Health

Summer Heat Linked to Seasonal Depression as Mental Health Concerns Rise Worldwide

Published

5 days ago

July 17, 2026

Web Reporter

Seasonal depression is commonly associated with the short, dark days of winter, but health experts are warning that hot weather and prolonged heatwaves can also trigger a lesser-known form of the condition during the summer months.

Medical professionals say Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a recognised type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern and can significantly affect daily life. Although far less common than winter SAD, experts stress that it should be treated as a serious mental health condition.

According to a recent study, summer SAD affects around 0.57% of the global population, compared with about 5% for the winter form of the disorder. Rising temperatures, frequent heatwaves and tropical nights have been identified as factors that can contribute to symptoms in vulnerable individuals.

Unlike winter depression, which is often linked to reduced daylight and social isolation, summer SAD is associated with excessive heat, disrupted sleep and physical discomfort. Symptoms may include insomnia, loss of appetite, anxiety, agitation and persistent low mood. In severe cases, the condition can interfere with work, relationships and everyday activities.

Adam Borland, a clinical psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic, said people experiencing symptoms may benefit from maintaining a regular daily routine, limiting exposure to extreme heat and making sleep a priority. He added that anyone with severe or persistent symptoms should seek professional medical care.

The warning comes as mental health conditions continue to rise across the world. A recent analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study, published in The Lancet, estimated that approximately 1.2 billion people, or around 15% of the global population, were living with a mental health condition in 2023.

The study found that the number of people affected by mental health disorders increased by 95% between 1990 and 2023. During the same period, mental disorders climbed from the 12th to the fifth leading cause of health loss worldwide.

Major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders recorded some of the sharpest increases. Cases of major depression rose by 131%, while anxiety disorders increased by 158%, making them the two most common mental health conditions globally.

Researchers behind the Global Burden of Disease Study said meeting the growing demand for mental health services should be regarded as a public health priority, particularly for vulnerable groups.

The situation is also a concern across Europe. The World Health Organization estimates that one in six people in the European region, around 140 million individuals, lives with a mental health condition. Despite the high number of cases, only one in three people suffering from depression receive the treatment they need.

Health experts have also highlighted the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Depression and anxiety among young people have increased by an estimated 25% since the pandemic, while suicide has become the leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 29 in the European region.

Health

Nearly Three Billion People Cannot Afford a Healthy Diet, UN Warns

Published

5 days ago

July 17, 2026

Web Reporter

Nearly three billion people around the world remain unable to afford a healthy diet as food costs continue to rise, with nutritious meals now costing more than the international extreme poverty threshold, according to the United Nations.

The warning comes ahead of the release of the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report on July 21. Máximo Torero Cullen, chief economist at the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), said the cost of maintaining a healthy diet has increased by 25 percent over the past five years.

Speaking to reporters, Torero said the average daily cost of a healthy diet has reached $4.28 (€2.62 adjusted for purchasing power), exceeding the international extreme poverty line of $3.00 per person per day.

“As a result, 2.69 billion people, almost one in every three people in the world, still cannot afford a healthy diet,” Torero said.

He explained that the challenge facing many households is not the availability of food, but the affordability of nutritious products needed for a balanced diet.

“Calories are relatively inexpensive, but nutrition is not,” he said.

According to the FAO, staple foods such as grains and root vegetables provide most of the calories people consume each day, yet they account for only about 13 percent of the total cost of a healthy diet. These foods are generally affordable and widely available.

By contrast, fruits and vegetables contribute only about 5 percent of daily calorie intake but make up around 16 percent of the overall cost of a healthy diet. Animal-based foods account for nearly 30 percent of the total cost, making them among the most expensive components of a nutritious meal.

Torero said the findings highlight the need to improve access to nutrient-rich foods rather than simply increasing food production.

“The challenge is not to produce enough calories but to make nutrient-rich foods more affordable,” he said.

The rising cost of healthy eating has become a growing concern for governments and international organisations, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where millions of families already struggle with limited incomes and rising living costs.

Health experts warn that poor nutrition has long-term consequences beyond hunger. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), unhealthy diets are among the leading risk factors for non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and several forms of cancer.

The upcoming UN report is expected to provide a broader assessment of global food security and nutrition, examining how inflation, economic uncertainty and supply chain disruptions continue to affect access to healthy food. The findings are likely to add urgency to international efforts aimed at reducing food insecurity and improving nutrition for vulnerable populations worldwide.

Health

Oxford Launches World’s First Human Trial of Vaccine Against Bundibugyo Ebola

Published

1 week ago

July 14, 2026

Web Reporter

Scientists at the University of Oxford have launched the world’s first human clinical trial of a vaccine targeting the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola as health authorities work to contain a growing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

The Phase I trial will evaluate the vaccine’s safety and its ability to trigger an immune response in 50 healthy adult volunteers aged between 18 and 55. Researchers have begun recruiting participants, with vaccinations expected to start in the coming weeks after regulatory approval for the study.

The trial comes as the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak continues to expand across Central Africa. According to the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Ministry of Health, 1,926 confirmed cases and 702 deaths had been recorded across five provinces as of July 11. Uganda reported 20 confirmed infections, including two deaths, on July 12. Health officials have identified 10 provinces in Congo, including the capital Kinshasa, as high-risk areas.

The University of Oxford’s Vaccine Group said the study represents the first effort to test a vaccine specifically designed to protect against the Bundibugyo strain in humans. While vaccines exist for other Ebola virus species, no approved vaccine currently targets Bundibugyo Ebolavirus.

Nicole Lurie, Executive Director of Preparedness and Response at the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), described the trial as an important step in the international response to the outbreak.

“Every step that brings a safe and effective vaccine closer helps strengthen our ability to protect vulnerable communities, save lives and bring this outbreak under control,” Lurie said, adding that Oxford’s work marks a significant milestone in efforts to combat the disease.

Researchers are also preparing additional clinical studies in Uganda, subject to approval from local regulators. Those trials are expected to be carried out through a partnership involving the Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine’s Uganda Research Unit.

Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, welcomed the progress while stressing the importance of maintaining rigorous scientific and regulatory standards.

He said that although early-stage clinical trials will not provide an immediate solution for communities currently affected by the outbreak, they remain essential for developing medical tools capable of responding to both the current emergency and future Ebola outbreaks.

The Bundibugyo strain is one of several Ebola virus species known to infect humans and has caused multiple outbreaks in Africa over the past two decades. Public health officials continue to focus on surveillance, patient care, contact tracing and infection control measures while researchers work to develop vaccines and treatments that can help reduce the impact of the disease.

The Oxford trial is expected to provide initial data on the vaccine’s safety and immune response, laying the foundation for larger studies if the early results prove successful.