We all know how Aussies love their cuppa, but did you know that it's possible that coffee can do more for you than just wake you up in the morning?

A new study published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine found that people who drank either sweetened or unsweetened coffee had a lower risk of death than those who didn't drink the beverage.

Over the course of a year, researchers surveyed 171,616 participants in the United Kingdom up to five times about their lifestyle, including their coffee-drinking habits.

After that, the researchers went back and checked people's death certificates an average of seven years later to see who had passed away during that time period.

The participants ranged in age from 37 to 73, and none of them reported having cardiovascular disease or cancer at the time of the study.

According to a new study, coffee may do more than just wake you up in the morning. Credit: juanma hache/Getty Images.
​

According to Dr Christina Wee, deputy editor of the Annals of Internal Medicine, people who drank a moderate amount of coffee, which was defined as 1.5 to 3.5 cups a day, had a 30% lower risk of dying than people who didn't drink coffee.

She went on to say that people who drank unsweetened coffee had a death risk that was anywhere from 16 per cent to 29 per cent lower than people who didn't drink coffee at all.

In order to eliminate the effects that socio-demographic, lifestyle, and clinical factors had on the findings, the results were adjusted to account for these factors.

For instance, the research team inquired about the participant's level of smoking, the amount of physical activity they engaged in, their level of education, and the eating habits they maintained.

However, the researchers' adjustments were somewhat limited because they did not inquire about other variables that could have affected the results, such as income level and occupation.

The research also showed that you might be out of luck if you regularly drink sugary drinks like lattes and caramel macchiatos.

According to Dr Wee, the average coffee drinker who reported sweetening their coffee used 1 teaspoon. Fortunately, that 1 teaspoon does not completely negate the benefits of coffee.

Based on this study, clinicians can tell their patients that there is no need for most coffee drinkers to eliminate the beverage from their diet, but to be wary of higher calorie coffee types like mochas and iced coffee.

The results for people who used artificial sweeteners in their coffee were not as clear, so the researchers couldn't say anything about people who prefer sugar substitutes.

Coffee, whether sweetened or unsweetened, is linked to a lower risk of death when compared to not drinking it. Credit: Boy_Anupong/Getty Images.
​

Coffee is a well-liked beverage that is widely recognised for its capacity to improve one's ability to concentrate as well as to increase one's level of energy.

In fact, many people rely on their morning cup of coffee to kickstart their day.

Aside from its energising effects, coffee has been linked to a slew of potential health benefits, giving you even more reason to start brewing.

Members, how do you like your cuppa? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

 

[Ricci]

I worry about this type of research. Who's to say the chosen group would or would not have died whether or not they drank coffee. There are so many variables in a persons life that it is difficult if not impossible to compare one against another. Even the best of us die eventually and you might do everything you can to push that day as far into the future as possible but maybe the day you die was the day you would have died anyway. Who's to know.

 

[Mindygirl12022]

I worry about this type of research. Who's to say the chosen group would or would not have died whether or not they drank coffee. There are so many variables in a persons life that it is difficult if not impossible to compare one against another. Even the best of us die eventually and you might do everything you can to push that day as far into the future as possible but maybe the day you die was the day you would have died anyway. Who's to know.

OH BOY! If we're going to worry about every food they say causes early deaths, it's not worth being alive. Keep their opinions for their acolytes.

 

[JayKay]

Next week, someone else will be saying not to drink coffee, drink tea instead .....????

 

[JustPat]

I drink about 3 mugs of coffee a day - milk, no sugar though.

Pat

 

[Ezzy]

Turns out, there are MORE benefits to coffee than you might think!​

We all know how Aussies love their cuppa, but did you know that it's possible that coffee can do more for you than just wake you up in the morning?

A new study published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine found that people who drank either sweetened or unsweetened coffee had a lower risk of death than those who didn't drink the beverage.

​

Over the course of a year, researchers surveyed 171,616 participants in the United Kingdom up to five times about their lifestyle, including their coffee-drinking habits.

After that, the researchers went back and checked people's death certificates an average of seven years later to see who had passed away during that time period.

The participants ranged in age from 37 to 73, and none of them reported having cardiovascular disease or cancer at the time of the study.

According to a new study, coffee may do more than just wake you up in the morning. Credit: juanma hache/Getty Images.
​

According to Dr Christina Wee, deputy editor of the Annals of Internal Medicine, people who drank a moderate amount of coffee, which was defined as 1.5 to 3.5 cups a day, had a 30% lower risk of dying than people who didn't drink coffee.

She went on to say that people who drank unsweetened coffee had a death risk that was anywhere from 16 per cent to 29 per cent lower than people who didn't drink coffee at all.

In order to eliminate the effects that socio-demographic, lifestyle, and clinical factors had on the findings, the results were adjusted to account for these factors.

For instance, the research team inquired about the participant's level of smoking, the amount of physical activity they engaged in, their level of education, and the eating habits they maintained.

However, the researchers' adjustments were somewhat limited because they did not inquire about other variables that could have affected the results, such as income level and occupation.

​

The research also showed that you might be out of luck if you regularly drink sugary drinks like lattes and caramel macchiatos.

According to Dr Wee, the average coffee drinker who reported sweetening their coffee used 1 teaspoon. Fortunately, that 1 teaspoon does not completely negate the benefits of coffee.

Based on this study, clinicians can tell their patients that there is no need for most coffee drinkers to eliminate the beverage from their diet, but to be wary of higher calorie coffee types like mochas and iced coffee.

The results for people who used artificial sweeteners in their coffee were not as clear, so the researchers couldn't say anything about people who prefer sugar substitutes.

Coffee, whether sweetened or unsweetened, is linked to a lower risk of death when compared to not drinking it. Credit: Boy_Anupong/Getty Images.
​

Coffee is a well-liked beverage that is widely recognised for its capacity to improve one's ability to concentrate as well as to increase one's level of energy.

In fact, many people rely on their morning cup of coffee to kickstart their day.

Aside from its energising effects, coffee has been linked to a slew of potential health benefits, giving you even more reason to start brewing.

Members, how do you like your cuppa? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

I don't start with a morning coffee but do enjoy one for morning & afternoon teas made with 1/4 water & 3/4 milk & 2 minutes in the microwave. With results as mentioned above l see no reason to cut back at anytime.