Coffee and Health: How Does a Daily Cup Help You Live Longer?

A recent study led by researchers from Tufts University in the United States revealed that drinking coffee without adding sugar or saturated fats is associated with a significant decrease in the risk of premature death, which is good news for coffee lovers around the world.

The study, published in the journal Nutrition and highlighted by Science Alert, followed 46,332 American adults over 9 to 11 years and found that consuming black coffee or coffee with minimal sugar and fat reduces the risk of premature death by up to 14% compared to non-coffee drinkers.

In contrast, researchers noted that the health benefits of coffee disappear when large amounts of sugar or saturated fats, such as full-fat milk or cream, are added, where the statistical significance of the reduced risk of death disappears.

Epidemiologist Mingji Chu, the study's lead researcher, said: "Few studies have examined the impact of additives in coffee on the relationship between coffee consumption and the risk of death, so our study is one of the first to focus on the quantity of added sweeteners and saturated fats."

He confirmed that the results align with dietary guidelines recommending limiting sugar and saturated fat intake.

It appears that the ideal point for coffee consumption is from two to three cups daily, where the protective effect is more pronounced.

As for the secret behind the benefits of coffee, it lies in its content of caffeine and biologically active compounds, as explained by Fang Fang Zhang, noting that decaffeinated coffee does not show the same benefits.

He pointed out that sugar and saturated fats may diminish these health benefits.

Despite these encouraging results, researchers emphasize the need for further studies to understand how different components of coffee interact with the body, and the role of other factors such as the timing of coffee consumption.

Ultimately, the study delivers a clear message to coffee lovers:

Enjoy your black cup with as little sugar and fat as possible to reap the health benefits and live a longer, healthier life.