Coffee is a big deal in the United States, with about half of the population enjoying a cup daily.  But here is a surprising fact: that daily coffee habit might actually help you live longer.  However, there is a catch.  The health benefits of coffee are only seen in people who drink it black or with very little added sugar and saturated fat.  Those fancy coffee shop drinks loaded with sugar and cream?  They don't offer any health advantages.

A study that tracked nearly 50, 000 American adults for over a decade found that coffee drinkers had a lower risk of dying early compared to those who didn't drink coffee.  The biggest benefit was seen in people who drank 2 to 3 cups a day, who had a 17% lower risk of dying during the study period.  Even those who drank less than a cup a day saw an 11% lower risk.

So, what's the deal with black coffee?  Well, drinking black coffee was linked to a 14% lower risk of death from any cause.  Coffee with small amounts of added sugar (under 2. 5 grams per cup) and saturated fat (under 1 gram per cup) also showed the same reduction in risk.  But for those who drank coffee with higher amounts of sugar and saturated fat, there was no significant reduction in the risk of death.

The study also found that caffeinated coffee was driving most of the health benefits.  Decaffeinated coffee showed no clear association with longevity.  This is in line with previous research suggesting that caffeine may play a protective role by boosting metabolism, reducing inflammation, and improving insulin sensitivity.  Coffee also contains other compounds that are thought to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

But here's where it gets interesting.  The protective effects of coffee were only observed among people who did not drink tea.  Among tea drinkers, the association between coffee and longevity disappeared.  The study doesn't explain why this is the case.

For the estimated 150 million Americans who drink coffee daily, this study delivers both good news and a wake-up call.  The good news: your coffee habit could be helping you live longer.  The reality check: if your go-to drink includes lots of sugar, cream, or flavored syrups, those potential benefits may be lost.

The takeaway?  A basic cup of coffee, especially when consumed black or lightly sweetened, may be one of the healthiest parts of your day.  But when that cup starts to resemble dessert, the health perks may disappear.

Coffee: The Secret to a Longer Life?

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