For decades, coffee lovers have taken comfort in their daily cup (or three), often fending off worried glances from colleagues and smug herbal tea drinkers. But could those cherished mugs do more than just kickstart your morning—they might actually add years to your life?
The Science Brews: Coffee and Longevity
Coffee, in all its lovely forms—Arabica, Robusta, Excelsa—holds a special place in the lives of many. In France, for instance, a robust 62% of people start their day with coffee, according to an Ifop survey from October 2018. But is this ritual a guilty pleasure or a health-conscious decision? Good news, fellow sippers: the scientific community leans toward the latter—for your heart, and maybe your fate.
This optimism isn’t just caffeine-fueled wishful thinking. Researchers at the Southern Medical University in Guangzhou, China, recently explored the relationship between daily coffee consumption and premature death, publishing their findings in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Their investigation, using data from the UK Biobank, included an impressive 171,616 British participants aged 37 to 73, all without cardiovascular disease or cancer history. Over a period of seven years (2009-2018), the scientists also pored over death certificates for 3,177 participants.
What’s in a Cup? Breaking Down the Findings
Once age, sex, smoking, physical activity, body mass index (BMI), and diet were accounted for, the researchers made a steaming discovery. Compared to non-drinkers, people who drank unsweetened coffee saw their risk of death from all causes shrink—by 29 to 31% if they drank between 2.5 to 4.5 cups daily. That’s not just a morning boost but possibly a longevity bonus!
Is your sweet tooth quivering? Don’t fret. The trend also held for those who enjoyed their brew with a modest spoonful of sugar—between 1.5 and 3.5 cups per day translated to a 28% drop in risk. However, switching sugar for artificial sweeteners did not yield significant benefits—a puzzle researchers admit is yet unsolved.
- Coffee (unsweetened): 2.5-4.5 cups/day = up to 31% lower risk
- Sugared coffee: 1.5-3.5 cups/day = 28% lower risk
- Artificially sweetened: No significant reduction
But wait, sugar-lovers, a quick caution—study participants only added about a teaspoon per cup. This is a universe away from the sugar-laden concoctions sometimes served at coffee chains. For instance, a large Starbucks Caramel Macchiato contains 25 grams of sugar, roughly five times the sweetness of one study cup. If you’re looking to reap these benefits, sticking to homemade coffee might be the way to go.
What Makes Coffee Protective?
The magic ingredient, you might think, is caffeine. After all, it’s renowned for sharpening alertness and, according to Inserm research director Astrid Nehlig, can lower accident risk. But surprisingly, even instant, ground, or decaffeinated coffee showed similar longevity benefits. What gives?
Enter coffee’s secret health weapon: antioxidants. These hardworking molecules protect our cells from aging, limit DNA breakage, and reduce tissue inflammation, according to Nehlig. Whether your cup buzzes with caffeine or plays it mellow, the antioxidants measure up. Thus, you can drink to your health—literally.
Should You Rethink Your Daily Ritual?
Before you rush to brew your third double espresso, note the scientific caveats. As Astrid Nehlig underscores, this research is observational. The results call for further investigation and could also reflect factors like a balanced diet or other healthy lifestyle habits. Moreover, the study focused on a British population, famous for their love of tea—a beverage also rich in antioxidants. Correlation doesn’t always mean causation, as similar studies have hinted at longevity boosts from moderate red wine consumption, yet the jury is still out.
And while it’s tempting to seek a fountain of youth in your cup, don’t overdo the sugar. Moderation remains key!
- Prefer home-brewed coffee with moderate sugar
- Watch out for commercial sweetened drinks
- Remember, a healthy lifestyle is multi-faceted
In the end, sipping two (or even up to five) coffees a day may well be more than an indulgent ritual. Science suggests it can be part of a happy, healthy life—but not a magic potion. So, whether your morning mantra is « work, metro, coffee » or the other way around, enjoy that cup—your body just might thank you.
Iveta is an aspiring journalist with a passion for storytelling and a deep love for coffee. Always curious and creative, she dreams of sharing stories that inspire, inform, and connect people around the world
