Coffee and Longevity: The secret of a long life

‘Put that coffee down? You are not getting another cup! Enough coffee for a day!’ I often get a whip of these words from my loved ones. And every time they try to hammer my coffee cup, I quote, ‘Coffee and longevity’.

And it’s not faux! 

Many researchers concur with my ‘coffee and longevity’ concept. Studies revealed three to five cups of coffee a day is good for health. It is associated with a lower risk of total mortality. It can also prevent mortality from several causes like diabetes, cardiovascular disease and suicide.

Research to rescue!

My family members, close friends, colleagues, and teachers often catch me with a cup of coffee. And if they try to snatch my cup of coffee, I hand them new research quoting – coffee and longevity!

And so far, I am winning! Or maybe they are letting me win!

Research published in the European Journal of Epidemiology studied the association of coffee and longevity closely. They toiled through 40 studies, 3,852,651 subjects and 450,256 causes of death.

And concluded that drinking coffee had an inverse association with all-cause mortality. This is irrespective of age, weight, alcohol, smoking, and caffeine content of coffee.

Further researchers say that coffee may reduce the risk of prostate cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

But how much is too much?

A recent Research quoted, “Drinking at least two cups of coffee per day can increase the life expectancy of consumers by up to around two years.”

The study further summarized that:

3.5 cups of coffee per day reduces the risk of all-cause death 

2.5 cups per day reduce the deaths due to heart disease 

2 cups per day reduce the risk of cancer deaths 

But there are better ones!

Another research revealed, ‘Consuming 2-4 cups of coffee per day can reduce all-cause and cause-specific mortality.’

And then!!!

A study quoted in JAMAnetwork, ‘People who drink up to eight cups of coffee per day may slightly lower their risk of early death compared with non-drinkers’. According to this research, drinking eight or more cups per day may lower the risk of death by 14%.

I mostly tell them about the last one! ‘8 cups of coffee per day’, I mean I still have a few cups to catch up!

But another research suggests keeping the coffee consumption limited to six cups. This helps in maintaining a healthy heart. It also aids in managing healthy blood pressures. Based on their data, the study concluded that six was the tipping point. After six caffeine may start to negatively affect cardiovascular risk.

But this again varies from person to person, based on their overall health and metabolism. 

Also Read: Coffee – How much is too much? 

The secret behind this sacred boon!

Coffee offers a lot of benefits! And longevity happens to be the one most talked about lately.

Researchers have known that coffee boosts longevity. But it’s only recently, that they have the facts floating.

Coffee beans are loaded with nutrients and phytochemicals that can contribute to approx. 15% lower death risk.

A study from Biobank UK 2018, looked deep into the matter. And the results were astounding.

People who can consume more coffee have better metabolism.

Acing with antioxidants

Also, some credit goes to the inflammation inhibiting power of anti-oxidants. 

Most diseases including heart disease, diabetes, and cancers have an inflammatory component. This can be reduced with large doses of antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body against damages and help it in recovering during treatment. 

Some studies also suggested that coffee may improve the use of insulin in the body. And this can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The Tail of telomeres

A 2015 study revealed that coffee helps DNA keep their integrity. 

The ends of the DNA strands are called telomeres. These are like the plastic ends of shoelaces. One of the major signs of ageing is shortened and broken telomeres. This breakdown leads to a number of health problems from damaged, sagging skin to cancer. 

Coffee offers protective effects against oxidation and free radical damage. This may play a part in keeping DNA integrity. 

Coffee makes everything bright

Studies show that coffee may make you happier! And happiness is a direct quotient of health. 

Research reveals that coffee reduces the risk of depression and suicide by 20% and 53%. It also helps fight Alzheimer’s disease. Helps improve mental concentration and boosts alertness. 

 Also Read: Want to take a nap? Go for a coffee nap!

Which coffee is the best coffee?

Ground coffee is healthier than instant coffee. 

Instant coffee is not fresh and often has most of the antioxidants burned out of it. 

Ground coffee is better at retaining coffee’s antioxidant properties. Try to go for coffee that’s organic, speciality grade, and a balanced, medium roast.

I recommend you Deccan gold coffee of pristine organics

https://pristineorganics.com/deccan-gold-coffee/

My word to the cohort of coffee lovers

Drink your coffee with conviction as this has turned out to be an elixir. 

Coffee boosts longevity. Lowers the mortality rate by 6-15%. Reduces the risk of many diseases.

And most of you might already know the list.

But be careful to maintain a healthy lifestyle. And don’t ruin your coffee with a truck-load of sugar!

Also, coffee and its antioxidants protect the body from diseases. But smoking, alcohol, stress, or sleep deprivation can undo all coffee’s good qualities. 

So, if you are really a health enthusiast, then start drinking coffee. But also make sure to follow other good health guidelines.

A message to my loved ones!

I love coffee. And I love you all. 

And I hope the secret to the long life of this Ayurvedic doctor is owed to coffee!