Great news for coffee lovers! Your caffeine addiction might help you live longer, even if you live a sedentary lifestyle, compared to your non-coffee drinking office neighbour. Incorporating this beloved beverage into your daily routine may offer more than just a morning pick-me-up – it could be your ticket to a longer, healthier life.
Recent research published in the journal BioMed Central (BMC) Public Health has uncovered a remarkable link between coffee consumption and longevity. According to the study, non-coffee drinkers who spend six or more hours a day sitting face a staggering 60% higher risk of mortality compared to their coffee-loving counterparts who sit for less than six hours.
This indicated an increased risk of dying in sedentary people not consuming coffee, but not among those drinking coffee, researchers following over 10,000 adults in the US for up to 13 years said. The researchers at the Medical College of Soochow University's School of Public Health in China also found that sedentary coffee drinkers were at a 24% lower risk of death compared to non-coffee drinkers sitting for at least six hours a day.
"The benefits of coffee consumption in improving overall survival in adults compared to sedentary behaviour are manifold," the authors wrote in the study. Consuming coffee lowers risk of metabolic problems known to worsen inflammation, which contributes to heightening death risks because of sedentary behaviour, they said. In their study, the authors found that the risk of dying from any cause significantly lowered – by 33% – among a fourth of all the participants consuming highest amounts of coffee compared to non-coffee drinkers.
Compounds present in coffee, including caffeine and polyphenols, are anti-inflammatory in nature. However, how exactly coffee works in the body to lower risk of dying is still unclear, the researchers said.
Here are five healthier ways to incorporate coffee into your daily routine compared to café chain products:
Black coffee
Low in calories, black coffee provides a pure, unadulterated boost of caffeine without added sugars or fats. Rich in antioxidants, it can help reduce inflammation and support overall health.
How to make it
Brew a high-quality coffee bean to enjoy its natural flavours. Consider trying different roasts and origins to find your preferred taste.
Bulletproof coffee
Combining coffee with grass-fed butter and MCT oil, Bulletproof coffee is popular in the ketogenic diet community for its ability to boost energy and promote satiety.
How to make it
Blend a cup of hot coffee with a tablespoon each of grass-fed butter and MCT oil until frothy. Drink in place of breakfast for a sustained energy boost.
Turmeric coffee
Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Adding it to coffee can enhance its health benefits and add a unique flavor.
How to make it
Add a teaspoon of turmeric powder to your coffee grounds before brewing. You can also mix it into your cup along with a dash of black pepper to enhance absorption.
Cinnamon coffee
Adding cinnamon to coffee can help regulate blood sugar levels and add a touch of natural sweetness without extra calories.
How to make it
Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon on your coffee grounds before brewing or stir a quarter teaspoon into your brewed coffee.
Oat milk latte
Oat milk is a great dairy-free alternative that is rich in fiber and vitamins. It adds a creamy texture without the saturated fats found in whole milk.
How to make it
Steam oat milk and add it to your espresso or brewed coffee. You can sweeten it with a touch of honey or agave syrup for a delightful treat.
