The health benefits of coffee have been extensively studied.
Recent evidence indicates that coffee may be harmful to health.
What is the truth regarding coffee’s health benefits?
The Japan Collaborative Cohort Study
The Japan Collaborative Cohort Study (JACC) was launched in the late 1980s to examine the effects of lifestyle and diet on health outcomes including mortality. This long-term, large study has produced a wealth data about the relationship between food and drink and cancer and circulatory disease incidence.
An analysis published in 2021 in the journal Stroke, used data from Japan Collaborative Cohort Study. It investigated the association between coffee and green tea consumption and mortality in individuals with or without a stroke history. The study concluded that green tea consumption is inversely related to all-cause death, which means increased tea drinking can reduce your risk of dying.
On the other hand coffee consumption only showed an inverse relationship with mortality from all causes in individuals who had no history of heart attack or stroke. These results suggest that people with a history of circulatory disease may not benefit from coffee.
High Blood Pressure and Coffee
A follow-up study in 2022 was conducted using the same Japan Collaborative Cohort Study data to investigate the effect of coffee and green leaf tea consumption on the mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD), among people with severe high blood pressure (hypertension).
Researchers found that people with severe hypertension who consumed a lot of coffee were at a higher risk for CVD death, but those with normal blood pressure did not.
The consumption of green tea was not associated with increased CVD mortality in all blood pressure categories. Green tea consumption appears to lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases and mortality even in people with high blood tension.
Limitations to These Studies
The Japan Collaborative Cohort Study provides some evidence that coffee has a positive impact on health, but it is also important to note the limitations of this study.
This study is a cohort observational, which means that causality cannot be established. These studies also rely on self reported data about coffee and green tea consumption that may be subjected to recall bias.
Tips for Reducing Your Risk
According to the evidence available, coffee is not beneficial to everyone’s health.
Here’s some advice on how to reduce your risk:
- Limit your coffee consumption: Although it’s difficult to know the exact amount that will increase your risk of death prematurely, it’s best to limit it to one or two cups a day. Avoid coffee if you suffer from high blood pressure, or have a stroke history.
- Drink more green tea. Green tea can reduce cardiovascular disease and mortality even in people with high blood tension.
- It is important to improve your lifestyle. While coffee consumption may have an impact on your health in some cases, you should also consider the overall quality of your life. A balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and quitting smoking all contribute to reducing the risk of premature mortality.
Coffee and premature death are complex issues, but the evidence is still not conclusive. Studies suggest that coffee is not good for everyone, particularly those with high blood-pressure or a history circulatory disease.
Green tea is a better choice for those who want to reduce their chances of developing cardiovascular disease or premature death.
If your health is a concern, you should always consult your healthcare provider to find out what you can to do improve your heart’s health and reduce the risk of chronic illness.