A beloved beverage that many people consider a ‘must’ to kick-start their working day, coffee actually has various health benefits. New research even links the popular drink with the ability to lower mortality risk.
Having a cup of coffee in the morning is a daily habit of many people, who claim that it helps them fine-tune their focus and kick-start their productivity for the whole day. The beverage has been so engraved in both urban and rural life that it has gradually become a symbol of culture. However, apart from its energizing effect and cultural value, coffee can surprisingly lower the risk of death, as supported by a new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
What are the health benefits of drinking coffee?
Boost energy levels: According to Healthline, the major active ingredient in coffee, be it sweetened or unsweetened, is caffeine. The substance plays a critical role in triggering the operation of the central nervous system inside our body. When absorbed, caffeine can increase the level of positive neurotransmitters, such as dopamine in your brain. In other words, drinking the right amount of coffee helps you boost your brain’s activity, increase mental focus and minimize fatigue.
Lower risk of type 2 diabetes: Insider reports that an inactive, sedentary lifestyle that leads to high levels of blood sugar is often the cause of type 2 diabetes. Luckily, coffee is claimed to minimize the risk of contracting type 2 diabetes, thanks to its ability to produce insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.
Support weight management: Healthline reports that caffeine can alter fat storage and promote gut health, thereby supporting the process of weight management. Again, this is further backed by caffeine’s ability to kick-start metabolism and boost energy levels. When people are energetic, they are more likely to engage in physical activity, which promotes weight management.
Can drinking coffee reduce the risk of mortality?
Given the aforementioned benefits of coffee, a recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine claims that drinking a moderate amount of coffee can help you live a longer, and healthier life. The study was conducted on the coffee habits of 171,000 UK residents with stable health conditions.
According to MedicalNewsToday, The researchers examined the relationship between coffee consumption with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular-related mortality. Variables of lifestyle, clinical, and sociodemographic factors were also applied for the study. The result showed that study participants who consumed 1-4 cups of lightly sweetened coffee per day were 29 to 31% less likely to die during the study.
However, as the research is not representative of the whole population, the result shouldn’t be considered consistent. Christina Wee, Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, commented about the study:
'These findings suggest that people who drink coffee can continue to do so with no cause for worry, which is good news for a large portion of the population.'
