A new study has revealed that drinking four cups of coffee each day can lower the risk of an early death.
Of the 20,000 middle-aged participants aged between 25 and 60, those who regularly drank coffee reported a mortality rate almost two-thirds lower than those who didn’t.
There is already research that shows how coffee can be good for your liver, can boost your immune system and reduce inflammation. It may even prevent skin cancer and provides a host of other health benefits.
Now experts are saying that just one cup a day could add months to your life. Two cups a day reduces your risk of early death by as much as 22 per cent or 30 per cent lower if you’re older.
Drinking four cups a day cuts your odds of an early demise by 64 per cent.
While the study was observational only, scientists believe that compounds such as caffeine, diterpenes and antioxidants interact with the body to have a positive health effect.
Other studies have revealed that drinking decaffeinated coffee can have a similar effect, leading study author Dr Adela Navarro to think it may be the antioxidants that provide the most benefit.
“I would advise drink plenty of coffee, it could be good for your heart. I think it’s a good idea to have about four cups a day,” said Dr Navarro.
“I think it’s the polyphenols, they have an anti-inflammatory effect.”
Associate Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation, Professor Metin Avkiran, said: “This study suggests there may be an association between drinking coffee and living longer, but it doesn’t prove a causal link or explain how coffee might be having this effect.”
“Coffee drinkers should certainly not rest on their laurels. The best way to minimise your risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death is to concentrate on an overall healthy lifestyle – eat a balanced diet, stay active and don’t smoke – rather than lining up the lattes.”
How many cups of coffee do you drink each day?
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