How Much Coffee Should You Drink?

While it may be considered a drug, the latest research presented at a European Society of Cardiology ESC Congress 2017 meeting suggests that drinking coffee can reduce the risk of death by 64%. It’s great news for caffeine lovers, especially for those who like to enjoy at least four cups a day.

The study drew on almost 20,000 participants, surveyed as part of the University of Navarra’s SUN Project. Prior to the experiment participants were asked to fill in a food frequency questionnaire which offered researchers a glimpse at coffee consumption habits, as well as lifestyle and sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements and any pre-existing health conditions. Over the course of 10 years 337 people died, at an average age of 37.7.

The link between coffee and mortality

So where does coffee come in? According to cardiologist Dr Adela Navarro, adults that down at least four cups a day have a 64% lower risk of mortality than their coffee adverse counterparts. For every additional two cups a day, the risk was reduced by another 22%.

"Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages around the world," asserts Navarro. "Previous studies have suggested that drinking coffee might be inversely associated with all-cause mortality but this has not been investigated in a Mediterranean country."

Age matters

While sex and diet had a minimal impact on the outcome, age did play an important role. Over 45s drinking an extra two cups of coffee per day enjoyed a 30% lower risk of mortality, though intake didn’t appear to have the same benefits for younger participants.

"In the SUN project we found an inverse association between drinking coffee and the risk of all-cause mortality, particularly in people aged 45 years and above,” explains Navarro. “This may be due to a stronger protective association among older participants.”

Is four the golden number?

So what’s the final verdict? As far as Navarro is concerned, "Our findings suggest that drinking four cups of coffee each day can be part of a healthy diet in healthy people."

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