Drinking coffee in the morning may not only give you a morning boost but also potentially tends to increase longevity. Researchers suggest that coffee consumption is linked to a lower risk of death, but the benefits are contingent on how it’s prepared. Adding excessive sugar and saturated fat, such as cream, may offset its positive effects, highlighting the importance of mindful coffee consumption to reap its potential benefits. Also, drinking more than 3 cups of coffee a day doesn’t provide additional benefits, and the protective effect against heart-related deaths seems to plateau.The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between coffee intake, including the amount of additives- sugar and saturated fat, and mortality among US adults.
Study highlights the impact of additives in black coffee
According to earth.com, the research team at the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy took a closer look at the study published in the Journal of Nutrition, and found that moderate coffee consumption, defined as 1-2 cups per day, was associated with a lower risk of death, including heart disease. The benefits were most pronounced when coffee was consumed black or with minimal sugar and fat. However, adding large amounts of sugar and saturated fat negated the positive effects, highlighting the importance of moderation in coffee additives.Professor Fang Fang Zhang, senior author of the study, said, “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.”
Understanding coffee consumption of American adults
Researchers tracked participants’ coffee habits and linked them to mortality data, classifying coffee types by caffeine level, sugar content (less than 2.5g per cup considered low), and saturated fat content (less than 1g per cup considered low). The study included 46,332 adults aged 20 y and older who completed valid first-day 24-h dietary. recalls. This detailed analysis by the researchers provided insights into how coffee consumption affects mortality risk.
Coffee is beneficial, until you add too much sugar
Coffee contains beneficial compounds like antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that may help protect against diseases and support a longer, healthier life. However, loading up on cream, flavoured syrups, and sugar alters the nutritional balance, effectively transforming a healthy drink into a dessert-like treat. Adding sugar to your coffee may enhance its taste, but it can also diminish its health benefits.This subtlety is important because people often view coffee as simply good or bad. The research suggests that the truth lies between- coffee can be beneficial, but only if consumed in a way that doesn’t overpower its natural benefits with excessive additives.The study relied on self-reported dietary data, which can be influenced by memory and accuracy; that is why the study has some limitations. A person’s reported diet may not reflect their long-term habits. Additionally, the study found no significant benefits for decaffeinated coffee. The key takeaway from the study is that coffee itself isn’t the issue; rather, it’s what you add to it that matters.Also read| 10 common heart health myths that you must know
