Study coffee drinkers live a little longer

Coffee stimulates the circulation, increases the heartbeat and provides an energy boost. Whether coffee actually has adverse effects on health or even protective effects, argues the experts. A recent study suggests that coffee drinkers are indeed living longer.
Coffee is popular worldwide not only for its taste but also because of the stimulating effect. Excessive consumption has, however, been associated in the past with an increased risk of diseases such as high blood pressure or heart attack. Now, a study indicates that coffee drinkers live longer.

Coffee should extend the life of regular consumers. Image: A_Bruno - fotolia

Studies certify coffee positive properties
Not only in Germany coffee is one of the most popular drinks ever. Many people love it because of its taste but also because of its stimulating properties. In the past, coffee was said to have a health-damaging effect, but in recent studies, the hot drink is mainly attributed positive properties. For example, one study pointed to a coffee-reduced risk of relapse in colorectal cancer and another showed that coffee protects the genome from damage. And although the beverage has been associated with a risk of cardiovascular disease, scientists now point out that coffee can be good for the heart. Also a new investigation from the USA seems to confirm this.

Coffee drinkers live longer
As the researchers from Harvard in the journal "Circulation" report, "three to five cups of coffee a day can apparently extend life". In particular, "early deaths due to cardiovascular disease, diabetes or neurological conditions were less common in coffee drinkers". This also applies to decaffeinated coffee. "A relationship with cancer could not be determined," said the researchers. So the positive effects do not seem to be related to the stimulant, but to other ingredients. According to the authors of the study, "some substances in coffee protected against the development of old-age sugar and reduced inflammation."

Do not overvalue findings
Experts repeatedly warn against overvaluing findings from nutritional observational studies. Also from the current work can be derived no universal statements. The data comes from three observational studies that surveyed the nutritional habits of over 200,000 medical workers over a 30-year period. Around 30,000 people died during the observation period. (Ad)