Coffee lovers can breathe a sigh of relief. According to a new scientific statement from the American Heart Association (AHA), drinking up to five cups of coffee a day appears to be safe for most healthy adults and may even be linked to a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, heart failure, and Type 2 diabetes.

But that doesn't mean more coffee is always better, renowned cardiologist Dr. Chauncey Crandall told Newsmax’s “Bianca Across the Nation.”

Editor’s Note: Avoid Heart Attacks & Dementia With Doctor’s New Plan

"I do like the idea that we get benefit from coffee because I've been drinking it throughout my medical education and I enjoy it," said Crandall, director of preventive medicine at the Palm Beach Cardiovascular Clinic in Florida. "But five cups, I think, is a lot."

Instead of aiming for the upper limit, Crandall recommends finding the amount that works best for your body.

"I think everybody has a sensitivity to coffee. They have a sweet spot," he said. "Too much can give you palpitations, extra heartbeats, hypertension, even anxiety, or just plain nervousness. So, there is a sweet spot for everybody."

Crandall noted that coffee does appear to offer heart-health benefits, particularly filtered coffee.

"Filtered coffee is probably better than all the other coffees because it pulls some of the oils out of the coffee that protect against elevated cholesterol," he said. "So, I'm excited about the news. I recommend it to our patients, and we are trying to find that sweet spot,” added Crandall, who is also editor of the popular newsletter Dr. Crandall's Heart Health Report.

Special: Coronary Heart Disease: 5 Tips to Reduce Your Risk

Fiber Is Another Heart-Healthy Habit

Coffee isn't the only dietary change that can improve cardiovascular health.

The AHA's 2026 dietary guidance also highlights fiber as an important nutrient for lowering cholesterol, improving blood sugar control, and supporting heart health.

Rather than relying on fiber supplements or drinks, Crandall encourages people to get more fiber from whole foods.

"Natural is always better," he said. "We know for a long time that fiber is good for us. It prevents colon cancer. It also lowers cholesterol and reduces heart disease."

Good sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, and nuts.

"Anything that has a skin on it is considered fiber," Crandall said. "So higher intake of fiber is beneficial."

Eating more fiber may also help people live longer, he added.

"So it is something that we need to really refocus on and get away from processed and packaged foods."

Two Changes That Can Make a Difference

While coffee and fiber can both play a role in a heart-healthy lifestyle, Crandall says one habit stands above the rest.

"The big change I would make is more exercise and more fiber," he said. "So, if we could do both of those, I think that'll give you 10 years of extra life if you initiate it while you're on the road to a long life."

Special: Save Your Brain. Reduce Your Risk of Alzheimer’s Now.