Coffee May Help You Live Longer—But Only If You Drink It This Way
Dubai, 17 August 2025 (Qahwa World) – Coffee has long been at the center of debate: is it good for your health or not? A new study from Tufts University, published in The Journal of Nutrition, adds weight to the argument that coffee can indeed be beneficial—so long as you drink it the right way.
Researchers analyzed data from 46,332 American adults collected between 1999 and 2018. They discovered that drinking coffee daily is linked to a significant reduction in mortality risk:
-
One cup per day was associated with a 16% lower risk of death from all causes, including cardiovascular disease.
-
Two to three cups daily provided slightly more benefit, with a 17% lower mortality risk.
-
Drinking more than three cups a day, however, did not add further benefits.
While the study highlights the health benefits of coffee, it also emphasizes a major caveat: the way you drink it matters. The protective effects were most evident in those who consumed black coffee or coffee with minimal sugar.
Those who regularly added cream and sugar had similar mortality rates to non-coffee drinkers. Essentially, the more sugar and saturated fat added, the weaker the health benefits.
“Coffee is among the most-consumed beverages in the world, and with nearly half of American adults reporting drinking at least one cup per day, it’s important for us to know what it might mean for health,” said Fang Fang Zhang, senior author of the study and professor at Tufts University.
She explained that the benefits are likely tied to coffee’s bioactive compounds, including antioxidants, which can promote cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation. But the positive effects can be offset when sugar and cream are added in large amounts.
This new study builds on earlier findings that link coffee to better health outcomes. In 2025 alone:
-
A study published earlier this year found morning coffee drinkers had lower rates of premature death.
-
Another study in June reported that coffee supports healthy aging, particularly among women.
Together, these findings suggest that plain coffee—without excessive add-ins—may contribute to longevity and overall well-being.
While coffee trends like collagen creamers, sweetened flavor boosters, and “superfood” additives continue to rise in popularity, the evidence points back to simplicity.
As Zhang summarized: “The health benefits of coffee might be attributable to its bioactive compounds, but our results suggest that the addition of sugar and saturated fat may reduce the mortality benefits.”
So, if you want to raise your mug to better health and a longer life, skip the extra sugar and cream. Black coffee may just be the way to go.
