Daijiworld Media Network- Boston

Boston, Jul 2: A recent study has brought good news to coffee enthusiasts — drinking black coffee could actually help in lowering the risk of premature death. However, there's a significant caveat: the health benefits may disappear if the coffee is consumed with excessive sugar and cream.

The research, conducted by the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, reveals that individuals who drink one to three cups of plain caffeinated coffee daily face a reduced risk of death from all causes, including heart disease. Published in the Journal of Nutrition, the study underscores the importance of how coffee is prepared — highlighting that added sweeteners and saturated fats can significantly reduce its positive health impact.

The researchers examined data from 46,000 American adults over a 20-year period, linking dietary habits with mortality records. Their findings indicated that black coffee — or coffee with very minimal additions — was associated with a 14 to 17 percent drop in mortality risk. However, when high levels of sugar or saturated fat were introduced into the beverage, this benefit was significantly diminished.

The team defined low sugar intake as under 2.5 grams per 8-ounce cup and low saturated fat as under 1 gram per cup. Anything more, they warned, could reverse coffee's potential to support longevity.

Senior author Dr. Fang Fang Zhang pointed out that coffee remains one of the most widely consumed beverages globally, and understanding its health implications is crucial. She added that the drink’s bioactive compounds could be responsible for its life-extending effects, but those benefits are likely canceled out when the coffee becomes more of a dessert than a beverage.

First author Bingjie Zhou emphasized that very few prior studies had looked into the precise amounts of sugar and fat being added to coffee. The research aligns with broader dietary guidelines that advocate for reduced consumption of added sugars and saturated fats.

As coffee continues to be a daily ritual for millions, the study serves as a reminder that while the brew may be beneficial, its health magic lies in its simplicity — unadorned and black.