For many of us, coffee is a regular part of our daily routine. In fact, more than 53% of American adults over 20 drink coffee daily, according to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Whether you prefer a hot cup of drip, an icy cold brew, or something a bit creamier, perhaps you've wondered just how healthy it is to drink coffee every day. Well, a new study might make you feel good about your daily cup of joe–that is, depending on how you take your coffee.
The observational study, published in The Journal Of Nutrition, looked at data from NHANES from 1999 to 2018, linked to National Death Index Mortality Data. Researchers found that low to moderate coffee consumption (one to three cups per day) was linked to a 14% lower risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease mortality—but only for those who drank black coffee or coffee with small amounts of added saturated fat and sugar.
"The health benefits of coffee consumption may be diminished when sugar and saturated fat are added," the study concluded.
The study found a 14% lower risk of all-cause mortality for those who consumed black coffee or coffee with low levels of sugar and saturated fat, compared to those who drank no coffee.
“Coffee is among the most-consumed beverages in the world, and with nearly half of American adults reporting drinking at least one cup per day, it’s important for us to know what it might mean for health,” Fang Fang Zhang, senior author of the study and professor at Tufts University's Friedman School, told Tufts Now.
"The health benefits of coffee might be attributable to its bioactive compounds, but our results suggest that the addition of sugar and saturated fat may reduce the mortality benefits," she added.
