Is Coffee Beneficial for Health?
Is coffee a healthful beverage? Although we’ve encountered various intriguing and frequently contentious studies regarding the health implications of coffee over the years, one fact appears to be evident: there are several health advantages associated with coffee consumption. Yet, researchers indicate that the impact of coffee on your health may greatly depend on how you enjoy it.
In my upbringing, I frequently observed my parents and grandparents having their morning coffee. Eventually, I adopted this routine myself, and it’s uncommon for me to commence my day without a shot or two of caffeine. For many, however, that caffeine hit is accompanied by significant amounts of sugar and cream. On the other hand, some relish the distinct flavor of strong, black coffee, which offers a unique experience not found elsewhere.
Nevertheless, your coffee preparation method is more crucial than you may realize. Of course, there’s the common knowledge that excessive sugar can be detrimental. However, researchers suggest that drinking coffee might actually enhance your lifespan. The key, though, lies in the way you consume it.
A Touch of Sugar Can Make a Difference
Recent findings from a study indicate that the health benefits associated with coffee consumption can differ. Among all the subjects in the study, researchers noted that those who drank their coffee black or with minimal sugar or fat had a 14% lower mortality risk when compared to those who abstained from coffee entirely. Conversely, as more sugar and fat were incorporated, those advantages vanished.
The study encompassed more than just coffee enthusiasts. It analyzed data from over 46,000 adults, with records extending nearly two decades (from 1999 to 2018). Participants reported their dietary intake, including beverages, in a 24-hour timeframe. They also documented their coffee consumption habits, which were evaluated alongside other essential information for the CDC’s National Death Index.
Researchers categorized the data according to the caffeine content of coffee and the quantities of sugar and fat in each serving. For context, “low sugar” was defined by researchers as containing less than 2.5 grams per cup, which roughly corresponds to half a teaspoon—not enough to mask the bitterness that coffee typically possesses.
Not the Entire Picture
The researchers concluded that while the positive effects of coffee consumption did not appear to accumulate over the long term, there were moderately increased advantages for individuals who enjoyed two to three cups daily. Those consuming one cup per day experienced a 16% reduction in overall mortality risk. In contrast, those drinking two to three cups enjoyed a slightly improved 17% reduction. Nevertheless, the benefits did not seem to increase beyond that point. Therefore, in this scenario, more is certainly not better.
