As the research battle continues over whether coffee is actually a health benefit or deterrent, a marketing outfit from the United Kingdom has identified the 10 professions that drink the most of the dark brown brew.

Out of the 10,000 professionals included in a survey conducted by Pressat, a press release distribution specialist, 85 percent said they drink at least three cups of coffee a day, while nearly 70 percent suggested their working ability would be adversely affected without a daily mug of coffee, a company news release said.

As a result, the Pressat research noted, it appears drinking coffee is a job necessity in a wide variety of professions.

The highest on-the-job java consumers -- individuals who gulp down over four cups a day -- were those in careers long associated with high stress.

That said, it was determined journalists consume the most, next followed by police officers and then teachers.

Recent research has found caffeine affects individuals in different ways, so while some people are more sensitive to its properties as a stimulant, others in comparison aren't nearly as susceptible to the drug's effects. Therefore, in both instances, consumers need to adjust their intake to find the amount of coffee, or, really, caffeine, that works best for them, the release continued.

Recent research done by the University of South Carolina suggests the daily recommended dose should not exceed 200mg of caffeine per day, which is equivalent to about two mugs or four cups of coffee.

Consuming more coffee than that recommended limit, the study said, could well increase one's risk of strokes and anxiety, in addition to cardiovascular problems.

However, an estimated 62 percent of the workers interviewed were not aware of the health risks linked to heavy coffee drinking, according the Pressat survey, which also found that men on average drink more coffee than women, but only about 5 percent more.

The 10 top professions the Pressat survey says consume the most coffee are:

  1. Journalists and media staffers
  2. Police officers
  3. Teachers
  4. Plumbers and trade workers
  5. Nurses and medical staff
  6. Company executives
  7. Telesales
  8. IT technical support
  9. Retail staff
  10. Drivers