Coffee has always had a kind of love/hate relationship with the medical community. It seems that doctors are constantly changing their mind about coffee's effect on your health. But a new study published in the journal Circulation will have coffee fiends and casual drinkers everywhere jumping for joy.
According to findings by the Harvard School of Public Health, daily coffee drinkers (we're talking less than five cups a day though) were less likely to die early from ailments like heart disease, diabetes and even suicide. The study followed more than 200,000 people over 30 years, checking in every four years to monitor the subjects' coffee consumption levels. While the data doesn't show a definite link between coffee and longevity, it might be cause for further research into the potential perks of coffee.
The study did find that this increase in life span happened for both regular and decaf drinkers, suggesting that caffeine is probably not the key element in the health repercussions, and other contents of coffee beans might be responsible for these perceived benefits.
At any rate, researchers say the study should give people reason to pick up a cup with confidence. As long as you're drinking it in moderation, there's no reason for you to give up coffee as part of your daily routine. So drink up collegiettes, and live long and prosper!
