With the summer heat still lingering, many of us are going to our favorite coffee establishments for iced beverages of one sort or another. At the same time, the media features the risks and benefits of coffee’s caffeine fairly regularly. Tea, colas and chocolate are not discussed as much as coffee, although they too have caffeine. What is the truth about caffeine given the emergence of yet a new study every few years?

Maybe It’s Good, Maybe It’s Not

In 2011, a new study was published that supports the health benefits of coffee by showing how caffeine’s antioxidant activity fights damage-causing free radicals. Researchers say their experiments explain the chemistry of how caffeine’s antioxidant seeks out and destroys free radicals associated with Alzheimer’s and heart disease.

On the other hand, a more balanced perspective might be offered by the American Heart Association, which this year stated: “Many studies have been done to see if there’s a direct link between caffeine, coffee drinking and coronary heart disease. The results are conflicting. This may be due to the way the studies were done and confounding dietary factors. However, moderate coffee drinking (one to two cups per day) doesn’t seem to be harmful.”

Moderation is Key

While an iced latte might be appealing on a warm summer’s day, the caffeine may be harmful. Then again, one or two might not be. Your best bet is to follow the advice of your doctor, who can tailor recommendations for you and your health.

If you do decide to cut down on caffeine, keep in mind that you might experience caffeine withdrawal 12 to 24 hours after your last cup of Joe. The most prominent symptom is a headache, but you can also feel anxiety, fatigue, drowsiness and depression. Hang in there; these symptoms should resolve within two days.

Susan Brindisi, MS Ed, MA, CHES, CRRN is a registered nurse at Beth Israel Medical Center.