That’s Not What You Thought! Coffee Might Prevent Stress. But You Have to Get It Right.

Is it good for you or is it bad for you? Does it cause stress and anxiety or relax you? Coffee’s reputation has gone on a roller coaster ride. This huge new study analyzed the effect of coffee drinking on stress and mood. What they found may not be what you expected.

The massive study followed 461,586 people for an average of 13.4 years. It found that people who drank 2-3 cups (250ml) of coffee a day had the lowest risk of mood disorders and stress. those who drank less did not do as well. Those who drank 5 cups or more a day had the greatest risk of mood disorders.

That finding is consistent with a now huge body of evidence for the coffee sweet spot. The evidence shows that to benefit from the health giving properties of coffee, you need to drink 2-4 cups a day.

To benefit from coffee, you not only need to drink the right amount, but the right kind. If you add milk or creamer to your coffee, you neutralize the health benefits. So, drink those 2-3 cups of coffee black.

The new study also found that the mental health benefits of coffee are more pronounced in men.

This study suggests that, at just the right amount, coffee can help prevent mental health and mood disorders, including stress and anxiety.

Journal of Affective Disorders. April 15 2026;399:120992.

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