Drinking 3 Cups of Coffee Daily Dramatically Lowers the Risk of Death from 'This Disease'

Regardless of Coffee Type, Follow-Up Observation
30% Reduction with 3-4 Cups Consumed Daily

A study has found that adults who drink three or more cups of coffee daily have a 30% lower risk of death from cancer, heart disease, and cerebrovascular disease.

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Recently, researchers from Tokyo Medical University in Japan tracked 90,914 adults aged 40 to 69 without a history of cancer, cerebrovascular disease, or ischemic heart disease from 1990 to 2011 for 18 years and 7 months. The study results were published in the international journal The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

The researchers set the mortality risk from cancer, heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, pneumonia, and other respiratory diseases for adults who did not drink any coffee as 1. The results showed that ▲ those who consumed less than one cup of coffee per day had a mortality risk of 0.91 ▲ those who consumed 1 to 2 cups had a risk of 0.85 ▲ and those who consumed 3 to 4 cups had a risk reduced to 0.76. The researchers did not restrict the type of coffee consumed (instant coffee, canned coffee, brewing coffee), but excluded participants who consumed other caffeinated beverages such as green tea, black tea, or carbonated drinks.

Chlorogenic acid, a phenolic compound found in coffee, slows the absorption rate of glucose and lowers blood pressure, thereby preventing heart disease and cerebrovascular disease. The researchers also explained that coffee contains pyridinium, which has an antithrombotic effect, reducing cerebrovascular disease and mortality rates. Additionally, caffeine in coffee functions similarly to a bronchodilator, improving lung function even at low doses.

However, the researchers pointed out that adults who drink five or more cups of coffee daily had a slightly increased mortality risk of 0.85. They added that adults who consume five or more cups of coffee per day tend to smoke more than other groups, which may cause residual effects from smoking.

The researchers stated, "Coffee contains many bioactive compounds, and the beneficial effects of caffeine and chlorogenic acid are widely known," adding, "Further research is needed to confirm the benefits of individual substances contained in coffee and their impact on premature death."