Black Coffee Without Sugar or Cream Linked to Reduced Risk of Mortality

Recent research indicates that drinking black coffee may be associated with a lower risk of death from various causes. A comprehensive observational study conducted by scientists at Tufts University’s Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy examined the relationship between coffee consumption and mortality rates, emphasizing how additives like sugar and saturated fats impact this connection. The study analyzed data spanning nearly two decades from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), involving over 46,000 adults aged 20 and older.

The findings revealed that consuming 1–2 cups of caffeinated black coffee daily correlates with a 14% reduction in overall mortality risk, compared to those who do not drink coffee. Drinking two to three cups per day is linked with a slightly higher reduction of around 17%. However, the health benefits did not significantly increase with higher consumption—more than three cups per day did not provide additional protective effects. Furthermore, the study highlighted that the mortality benefit was diminished when coffee contained high levels of added sugar or saturated fats. Coffee with low amounts of these additives was associated with a reduced risk of death from all causes, especially cardiovascular disease, whereas coffee with excessive sweeteners and fats showed no such benefit.

The research underscores the importance of how coffee is prepared and consumed. The presence of bioactive compounds in coffee may contribute to its protective effects, but these benefits can be offset by the inclusion of sugary or fatty additives. Lead researcher Bingjie Zhou emphasized that limiting added sugar and saturated fats aligns with dietary guidelines and can help maximize potential health benefits.

While the study does not establish causation, it adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that black coffee drinkers might experience health advantages. It’s worth noting that no significant link was found between decaffeinated coffee and mortality, possibly due to lower consumption rates among study participants.

Overall, enjoying black coffee without excessive additives could be a simple way to support better health, especially if incorporated into a balanced diet. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms involved and to confirm these findings.

Source: Medical Xpress