The dream of a long and successful life may be closer to reality than you think. The habit you need to adopt is as simple as drinking coffee. Enjoying that cup of coffee not only gives you pleasure, but it also offers undeniable health benefits. From stronger bones to cancer prevention and improved brain health, the advantages of coffee keep piling up. Researchers have even found that coffee can help increase your lifespan by reducing your risk of death from all causes.
Drinking coffee, dodging death
A comprehensive study conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and Imperial College London has revealed that the more coffee you drink, the lower your risk of death. Coffee consumption was found to be linked to a decreased likelihood of dying from a wide range of causes, including cancer, heart failure, and stroke. The greatest risk reduction for death was seen in those who consumed about three cups of coffee a day.
The study, the largest of its kind conducted in Europe, included 521,330 participants from 10 European countries. Regardless of the type of coffee consumed or the method of preparation, the lifespan benefits were evident across the board. In addition to improving your chances of living a longer life, researchers discovered that coffee drinkers had better liver function and immune response.
While scientists can’t pinpoint the exact compound in coffee responsible for these beneficial effects on health and lifespan, there are a few likely contenders. Caffeine, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory plant compounds called diterpenes are all present in coffee and have been shown to improve health in various ways.
Three cups a day keeps the reaper away
If you’re on board with “living long and prospering,” try incorporating coffee into your daily routine by having one cup with each meal. This simple habit could help save you from an early grave. And if you’re concerned about your caffeine tolerance, rest easy – the research showed that both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee offered the same life-extending benefits.
Coffee prepared by any method had positive effects on health. However, it’s advisable to stick to organic coffee to avoid pesticide residue. Opt for lighter roasts, as they contain higher levels of antioxidants.
It is important to note that while coffee has some incredible health benefits, moderation is key for those who are sensitive to caffeine or have medical conditions that may be affected by caffeine consumption. As always, consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about incorporating coffee into your daily regimen.
Added benefits of coffee
Aside from increasing your lifespan, drinking coffee has a myriad of other benefits. Moderate coffee consumption can help improve physical performance, boost metabolism, and even help you burn fat. Coffee contains essential nutrients, including vitamins B2, B3, B5, manganese, and potassium. It is also a rich source of antioxidants, which help protect your body from cell damage.
Coffee’s impact on brain health is well-documented – it can lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Studies have also shown that coffee drinkers have up to a 60% lower risk of getting type 2 diabetes. Further research links coffee consumption to a reduced risk of developing certain types of cancer, including liver and colorectal cancer.
Another study found that coffee drinkers had a 20% lower risk of stroke, and some research suggests that coffee consumption can also reduce the likelihood of developing depression and overall risk of suicide.
The bottom line
Incorporating coffee into your daily routine could be a game-changer, offering benefits to both your physical and mental health. With its documented ability to reduce your risk of death from all causes, you may very well be on your way to a longer and more prosperous life by simply enjoying three cups of coffee per day.