Your Morning Cup Of Coffee Could Be More Beneficial For Your Health Than You Think
If you can't get your day off on the right foot without that morning cup of joe, you're not alone. According to the National Coffee Association of U.S.A. (NCA), Americans are consuming more coffee than ever. Coffee drinking increased by 5% since 2015 and 62% of the population drinks coffee every day. As it turns out, this coffee habit could be a good thing.
The results of a new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine indicate that if you drink moderate amounts of coffee, you may be prolonging your life — and you can even drink coffee with sugar and still be at a lower risk for death. In the study, which followed 171,616 British participants without a history of cancer or heart disease, those who consumed unsweetened coffee had between a 16% and 21% lower risk of death than non-consumers of coffee. Additionally, those who drank sweetened coffee had a 29% to 31% lower risk of death if they drank less than four cups per day. The study found less consistent results between artificially-sweetened coffee and reduced risk of death. All participants were tracked over a seven-year period to determine if consuming coffee impacted the general risk of death and death due to cancer and heart disease (via U.S. News & World Report).
Despite this positive news, don't start scarfing down those iced whipped frappuccinos just yet.
This is why coffee may be bad for you
Health experts across the spectrum have been in agreement that drinking coffee can have health benefits. According to the Cleveland Clinic, coffee is a rich source of nutrients and antioxidants, and caffeine can help improve mood and memory. When you put it all together, drinking coffee can potentially help to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, liver disease, and certain cancers.
However, on the downside, caffeine can have potentially negative effects, such as increasing anxiety and jitteriness, as well as impacting the quality of your sleep. Caffeine is also addictive — if you build up a tolerance and don't drink coffee for a day or two, or you are trying to quit altogether, expect uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, irritability, and brain fog. Additionally, if you drink sweetened coffee regularly — especially prepared drinks at your local coffee shop — be mindful about drinking these on a daily basis, as they are often loaded with sugar and calories (via Healthline).
Bottom line: Whether you drink your coffee black or with a little sweetener, you're likely to see some long-term benefits if you consume a moderate amount, such as a cup or two a day. While a little sugar or sugar substitute in your coffee won't hurt you, be careful not to go overboard.