Do Coffee Drinkers Live Longer?
Recent research suggests that moderate coffee consumption may indeed be linked to increased longevity and a reduced risk of several diseases.
Here’s a look at the scientific evidence supporting this claim.
A Summary of the Research
Based on recent studies, moderate coffee consumption (typically 2-4 cups per day) has been associated with numerous health benefits and a reduced risk of death from various causes.
The research suggests that both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee offer protective effects, indicating that compounds other than caffeine may be responsible for many of the observed benefits.
Coffee consumption may help prevent or reduce the risk of:
- All-cause mortality
- Cardiovascular disease and mortality
- Type 2 diabetes
- Liver conditions (including hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and chronic liver disease)
- Certain cancers (including liver, colorectal, endometrial, and melanoma)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
- Depression
- Kidney stones
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
More on the Studies
A large study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that drinking two to three cups of coffee a day is associated with a longer lifespan and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
This study included over 449,000 participants and found that both ground and instant coffee, as well as decaf, were linked to reduced mortality rates.
Another study highlighted by Neuroscience News showed that moderate coffee consumption (two to three cups per day) was linked to increased longevity and lower cardiovascular risks.
This study also included different types of coffee and decaffeinated.
A really strong review published on the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website concluded that coffee consumption is associated with a lower risk of death from all causes.
The review found coffee reduced the development of multiple health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, neurologic conditions, liver issues, and various cancers.
The evidence suggested that coffee’s bioactive compounds, such as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, contribute to these health benefits.
A report in USA Today summarized findings from multiple studies, indicating that moderate coffee consumption (two to four cups per day) is associated with a longer lifespan and reduced risk of Parkinsons disease, Type II Diabetes, Melanoma, Depression and Suicide, and more.
What These Findings Mean
Science is complicated, so we can’t simply conclude that without a doubt drinking coffee will make you live longer.
However, there is a really strong association across many studies of coffee drinkers leading a longer and healthier life than noncoffee drinkers.
I think it’s safe to assume that coffee (without tons of cream, sugar, and other additives) is at least not bad for you. And is probably healthy!
Insights for Coffee Drinkers
1. Most Studies Were at 2-4 Cups
More coffee does not necessarily translate to greater benefits and too much caffeine may lead to negative side effects like increased heart rate and anxiety.
2. Variety is Cool
Ground, instant, and decaffeinated coffee all offer similar health benefits. This flexibility allows individuals to choose the type of coffee that best suits their preferences and lifestyles.
3. Limit Additives
To maximize the health benefits, it’s advisable to limit the addition of sugar and high-fat creamers to your coffee. My wife and I love adding a small amount of oat milk to our coffee, which adds some creamy texture and flavor without a ton of fat or sugar.
4. Keep Drinking Coffee
The consistent findings across multiple studies suggest that moderate coffee consumption is healthy. If you’re already a coffee drinker, I hope this makes your daily coffee(s) a little sweeter.
