There are those who live to drink coffee, and those who drink coffee to live. Now, a new study suggests that a cup of joe could be doing more than just jumpstarting the day — it could be extending your life.
Adults who drank one to three cups of caffeinated coffee per day had between a 14% to 17% lower risk of dying early, compared with those who skipped coffee entirely.
The study analyzed data from 46,000 adults ages 20 years and older, and categorized consumption based on preferences like whether participants drank their coffee black or added cream and sugar.
Notably, the strongest benefits showed up in those who drank their coffee black or with only small amounts of cream or sugar. When people added large quantities of those tasty extras to their coffee, the longevity benefits disappeared. Additionally, those who drank more than three cups of black coffee per day did not see the same lower mortality risk, especially when it came to heart disease.
With nearly half of Americans reporting that they drink at least one cup of coffee per day, understanding how it impacts our health is important, according to the study. Researchers also pointed out that the health benefits of black coffee are likely derived from the drink’s naturally occurring bioactive compounds.
The study emphasizes that while coffee does convey health benefits, how the coffee is prepared and how much you consume is heavily associated with how much you could profit.
So if coffee is already part of your morning routine, consider keeping it simple. A little less cream and sugar today might mean a few more years to enjoy coffee tomorrow.
