In the UK, we're traditionally known for our tea-drinking culture. However coffee consumption has risen significantly, and we're now enjoying around 98 million cups daily[1].
Beyond its energising buzz, coffee might offer more substantial benefits – potentially even contributing to a longer, healthier life.
Recent findings published in The Annals of Internal Medicine[2] have percolated interest with their intriguing discovery:
Individuals consuming 1.5 to 3.5 cups of coffee daily — even those sweetened with a teaspoon of sugar — experienced up to a 30 percent lower risk of death during the study period compared to non-coffee drinkers.
This correlation, observed over a median follow-up of seven years, rang true for aficionados of both caffeinated and decaffeinated varieties.
While the study doesn't brew a direct cause-and-effect conclusion, the consistency with previous research grounds the theory that coffee may harbour health benefits.
Dr. Christina Wee, associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, notes that while the exact reasons remain unclear, coffee's high antioxidant content might play a role in reducing inflammation and cellular damage.
This isn't the first time coffee has been in the spotlight for potential health benefits. Prior studies have linked moderate coffee consumption to a lower risk of several diseases
Like tea, coffee is rich in antioxidants, which are crucial in neutralising harmful free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases:
One study found a link between regular coffee consumption and a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease[3]. Similarly, research in the British Medical Journal suggested that coffee drinkers might have a lower risk of stroke and certain types of cancers[4] .
Beyond physical health, coffee has been shown to enhance mental alertness, as its caffeine content can improve mood, attention, and cognitive function, particularly in sleep-deprived individuals[5].
Interestingly, the study found the health perks of coffee aren't dampened by a touch of sweetness. However, experts pour cold water on the idea of indulging in sugary, high-calorie coffee treats.
Dr. Eric Goldberg, a clinical associate professor of medicine at N.Y.U. Grossman School of Medicine, cautions against confusing the study's allowance for moderate sugar with a free pass for sugar-laden commercial coffee.
Despite the encouraging findings, more isn't necessarily better. The health benefits seem to taper off for individuals consuming more than 4.5 cups of coffee daily.
Dr. Wee emphasises the importance of moderation and points out that extreme consumption (over seven cups per day) has been linked to adverse effects in past studies.
The recent findings are indeed promising, but they don't warrant a rush to start drinking coffee or increasing your consumption dramatically.
For coffee enthusiasts, you can take heart in potentially reaping some health benefits from your daily cup, provided it's enjoyed in moderation.
However, if coffee's not your cup of tea, rest assured, that's perfectly fine too.
It's important to remember that health is multifaceted, with coffee consumption being just one piece of the puzzle. Longevity is achieved through a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and overall healthy lifestyle choices.
1. Does the type of coffee matter (instant, ground, decaffeinated)?
The study found that the type of coffee, whether instant, ground, or decaffeinated, didn't significantly alter the association with reduced mortality risk.
2. Can I drink my coffee with sugar?
Moderate sugar consumption (like a teaspoon in your cup) doesn't seem to negate the potential health benefits of coffee. However, this isn't a green light to consume high-sugar coffee beverages, which can be excessive in calories and unhealthy.
3. Should non-coffee drinkers start drinking coffee for health reasons?
If you don't already drink coffee, there's no need to start. The research is about associations and doesn't prove that coffee is a "magic bullet" for health. Always prioritise a balanced diet, regular exercise, and healthy lifestyle choices.
4. Is there such a thing as drinking too much coffee?
Yes, while moderate coffee consumption is associated with potential health benefits, excessive intake can lead to negative effects. The study suggests benefits taper off beyond 4.5 cups daily, and very high consumption (over seven cups) has been linked to adverse health outcomes in previous research.
This article is for general information only and is not intended to treat or diagnose medical conditions. If in doubt please check with your GP first.
Reference:
[1] British Coffee Association. "UK Coffee Consumption."
[2] Association of Sugar-Sweetened, Artificially Sweetened, and Unsweetened Coffee Consumption With All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality: A Large Prospective Cohort Study," The Annals of Internal Medicine 2023.
[3] Coffee Consumption and Alzheimer's Disease Risk. European Journal of Nutrition
[4] Coffee consumption and health: umbrella review of meta-analyses of multiple health outcomes. British Medical Journalhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5696634/
[5] Effects of Caffeine on Cognitive Performance, Mood, and Alertness in Sleep-Deprived Humans:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK209050/
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