With the semester starting to pick up and midterms soon approaching, many of us are turning to our favorite caffeinated drinks to maintain our energy levels throughout long and busy days. Excessive caffeine consumption is typically considered negative due to the several side effects that can come from these beverages. However, a recent study suggests that drinking coffee could in fact provide a benefit to us.
Last week, a study was published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology that looked at the relationship between consumption of coffee and longevity. The results of the study showed that people who drank two to three cups of ground coffee a day were shown to have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a longer lifespan when compared with those who avoided coffee.
Professor Peter Kistler, the author of the study states that “the results suggest that mild to moderate intake of ground, instant and decaffeinated coffee should be considered part of a healthy lifestyle.” So what does this mean? Have we been given the green light on our caffeine habits?
Not exactly. When viewing scientific studies, it is essential that we pay attention to the details to fully and accurately understand the implications of the results. This study exclusively studied coffee and did not look at other caffeinated beverages. The results that were found applied to ground coffee, both instant and decaffeinated.
The study exclusively studied coffee, and the results apply to ground coffee, both instant and decaffeinated. Additionally, as mentioned by Professor Kistler, there are more than 100 biologically active components in coffee, other than caffeine. It is not only possible, but likely, that these other components led to the decreased cardiovascular risk and increased lifespan found in the study. In other words, it most likely isn’t the caffeine itself, but other non-caffeinated compounds creating benefits. Therefore, the findings do not apply to caffeine broadly, but instead apply specifically to ground coffee.
Regardless, the study asserts that moderate amounts of coffee consumption can be beneficial for heart health and longevity. Enjoy your cups of coffee during this cold season in moderation, enjoying not only any energy boost but potential benefits to your heart.