New research has found that drinking coffee without added sugar and cream can lower mortality risk, but excessive consumption of these additives can undermine the health benefits. A study published in The Journal of Nutrition followed over 46,000 US adults for about 10 years to investigate whether coffee habits affected mortality.
The researchers found that those who drank one cup of coffee daily had a 16% lower all-cause mortality risk and a 29–33% lower risk of heart disease mortality. However, the health benefits were only seen in participants who consumed their coffee black or with small amounts of cream, milk, or sweeteners.
Experts agree that adding high amounts of sugar or saturated fat to coffee can increase overall caloric intake, which may be linked to adverse health outcomes. The study’s authors and other experts recommend limiting added sugars and saturated fats when consuming coffee.
The researchers also found no link between coffee drinking in general and reduced cancer mortality, possibly due to the limited sample size. However, previous research has shown that coffee can reduce colorectal cancer risk.
To make the most of your cup of coffee, it’s essential to consider the additives you use. While moderation is key, even small amounts of sugar and cream are unlikely to cause harm. The study’s authors emphasize that high doses of caffeine can be problematic for anxiety, irregular heartbeats, and elevated blood pressures.
Moderating your coffee consumption is crucial, as health benefits tend to wane after about two daily cups of coffee. Overall, the research suggests that a simple change in how you drink your coffee – by using less sugar and cream – may lead to significant health benefits.
Source: https://www.health.com/coffee-cream-and-sugar-mortality-risk-11756402