In the largest study of its kind, researchers out of the Baker Heart Institute in Melbourne, Australia say drinking coffee not only perks you up in the morning, but it could potentially add years to your life.
The scientists tracked the health of some 400,000 people in the U.K., and found that those who quaffed two or three cups each day enjoyed a 10% to 15% lower risk of developing heart failure, coronary heart disease, a heart rhythm problem, or — get this — “dying for any reason” than those who avoided coffee.
The findings were surprising, considering in many cases, doctors advise people with heart problems to avoid coffee. In fact, the researchers noted those people, too, can enjoy the benefits of a cup or two.
Professor Peter Kistler of the Baker Heart Institute says in a press release, “Because coffee can quicken heart rate, some people worry that drinking it could trigger or worsen certain heart issues. This is where general medical advice to stop drinking coffee may come from. But our data suggest that daily coffee intake shouldn’t be discouraged, but rather included as a part of a healthy diet for people with and without heart disease.”
Kistler believes the 100 nutritious plant chemicals found in coffee beans are behind the benefit. They have shown to quell inflammation — a key component of coronary disease and high blood pressure — and can also reduce oxidative stress and improve insulin sensitivity and metabolism, helping you maintain a healthier weight.
Man, we knew there was a reason we loved the stuff.
Methodology and results have not been verified or endorsed by ABC News or The Walt Disney Company.