You may feel like you’ll die if you don’t have that morning cup of coffee and the caffeine jolt it gives you, but that statement may not be too far from the truth.
Martine Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has a look at a new study that found coffee drinkers between the ages of 37 and 73 were notably less likely to die of any cause than those who don’t partake.
How Much Coffee Should You Drink?
The study, which was published in The Annals of Internal Medicine earlier this summer, found that those who had between 1.5 and 3.5 cups of coffee per day, sweetened with a teaspoon of sugar, had up to a 30% less chance of dying before a follow-up study seven years later.
For black coffee drinkers, that number was between 16% and 21%.
What About Decaf?
The study noted no difference between those who drank regular or decaffeinated coffee, which is good news for those who have to limit their caffeine intake but still get benefits from their cup(s) of joe.
Sugar Is Okay?
Yes, the study found that a teaspoon of real sugar actually decreased the overall mortality rate. The study, however, was inconclusive for those who used artificial sweeteners. Many experts believe that artificial sweeteners can actually be worse for you than actual sugar.
Antioxidants May Be Why
Researchers aren’t exactly sure why coffee—in this and other studies—has been linked to a longer life and a decrease in common diseases like Parkinson’s, diabetes, heart disease, and some kinds of cancers. Coffee, however, has a high amount of antioxidants, and scientists say they can help delay or prevent cell damage and reduce inflammation in the body.
It could also be that people who drink black coffee or cups with a small amount of sugar make healthier overall choices than those who have sugary coffee drinks or other sources of caffeine like sodas or energy drinks.
Drink in Moderation
Like many things, moderation is key. The study found decreasing positive effects for people having more than 4.5 cups of coffee per day.
To learn more about Martine Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://martine-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.
