That cup of java in the morning could be doing more than giving you that boost you need to start your day; it could be extending your life, according to this new observational study from Tufts University published in The Journal of Nutrition. The findings link coffee consumption to a lower risk of mortality; however, this changes with the amount of sweeteners and saturated fat that are added to the beverage.
Investigating the effects of coffee on mortality
In a nationally representative sample of 46,000 adults aged 20 and over, drinking 1-2 cups of caffeinated coffee a day was linked to a lower risk of death from all causes and death from cardiovascular disease. Drinking black and coffee with low levels of added sugars and saturated fat was associated with a 14% lower risk of all-cause mortality when compared to drinking none at all. No significant associations were observed between coffee consumption and cancer mortality.
However, this link was not observed for drinking a cup of mud with high amounts of added sugars and saturated fats. Drinking at least one cup per day was associated with a 16% lower risk of all-cause mortality, and 2-3 cups a day was associated with a 17% lower risk. Drinking more than 3 cups a day was not associated with additional reductions, and the link to lower risk of cardiovascular death weakened at more than 3 cups a day. The weakened links highlight the importance of consuming coffee in moderation.
“Coffee is among the most-consumed beverages in the world, and with nearly half of American adults reporting drinking at least one cup per day, it’s important for us to know what it might mean for health,” said Fang Fang Zhang, senior author of the study and the Neely Family Professor at the Friedman School. “The health benefits of coffee might be attributable to its bioactive compounds, but our results suggest that the addition of sugar and saturated fat may reduce the mortality benefits.”
“Few studies have examined how coffee additives could impact the link between coffee consumption and mortality risk, and our study is among the first to quantify how much sweetener and saturated fat are being added,” said first author Bingjie Zhou, a recent Ph.D. graduate from the nutrition epidemiology and data science program at the Friedman School. “Our results align with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which recommend limiting added sugar and saturated fat.”
Javaphiles and coffee aficionados
Around one billion people worldwide drink bean juice daily. This makes coffee the second most consumed beverage globally, after water, according to Everyday Dose. About 12% of the world’s population consumes jitter juice regularly, according to CAFELY.
Approximately 67% of American adults drink a cuppa joe daily. This translates to over two-thirds of the adult population, making coffee the most popular beverage in the US, even surpassing tap and bottled water.
- Daily consumption: About 66% of adults in the US drink it every day.
- Past week consumption: A higher percentage, 75%, have consumed it in the past week.
- Overall consumption: Over 70% of American adults drink it at least once a week, according to the National Coffee Association (NCA).
- Record high: Daily java consumption in the US is at its highest level in over 20 years, according to the NCA’s Spring 2024 report.
- Specialty coffee: There’s also a significant increase in the consumption of specialty blended drinks like lattes and espressos.
Every day, over 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed around the world, whether that be home-brewed, at the office, or in cafes. The love for espresso shots is on the rise and shot-flavored lattes are the most popular order at cafes and shops, according to Drive Research. Cold brews and drip coffee are still popular, as are cappuccinos and macchiatos, while only 18% of people prefer to drink their coffee black. Perhaps, the results from this study will turn a few heads and get them more interested in the perks.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
