PEOPLE WHO DRINK TWO TO three cups of coffee a day live longer than people who don't.
A study Published Monday in JAMA Internal Medicine found that people who drink two to three cups of coffee per day have a 12 percent lower risk of early death than people who don't drink coffee at all, Erikka Loftfield, co-author and research fellow at the National Cancer Institute told NPR.
Researchers followed almost 5 million people aged 38 to 73 from 2006 through 2016 and found that the lower risk of death was also true among people who drank decaffeinated coffee and people who metabolized coffee slowly – meaning they are more sensitive to coffee – as well.
Because researchers observed a decrease in mortality among decaf coffee drinkers, they believe the coffee bean, not the caffeine, has the longevity effect. According to Livestrong.com, coffee beans contain minerals and vitamins, such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. They also contain antioxidants, including chlorogenic acid, which helps lower high blood pressure and aids weight loss. WebMD reports a daily cup of coffee can help reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.
In the study published this year, researchers state that their findings provide further evidence to support past claims that "coffee drinking can be part of a healthy diet." They also say it "offers reassurance to coffee drinkers" following years of coffee getting a bad rap.
