June 24, 2024 from Science Alert
The health risks associated with prolonged sitting are well-documented, but a recent study suggests that drinking coffee might offer some protection against these dangers. According to research involving over 10,000 participants in the United States, daily coffee consumption may help reduce the negative health effects linked to extended periods of sitting.
The study, conducted by researchers at Soochow University in China, is the first to investigate how coffee might mitigate the risks of a sedentary lifestyle. The findings reveal that individuals who sit for six or more hours a day are 1.58 times less likely to die from all causes if they consume coffee daily, compared to those who do not drink coffee and maintain a sedentary lifestyle.
The research analyzed long-term health data and found that coffee consumption essentially nullifies the increased risk of death associated with prolonged sitting. This is notable given that even regular exercise may not fully counteract the health risks of extended sitting, which include type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Among the 10,639 participants, those who sat more than eight hours a day had a higher risk of death from all causes and cardiovascular disease compared to those who sat less than four hours a day. However, this elevated risk was significantly reduced in individuals who consumed coffee regularly, regardless of the amount consumed. Participants who drank more than two and a half cups of coffee a day experienced a lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to non-coffee drinkers with similar sedentary habits.
While the exact mechanism behind coffee’s protective effect remains unclear, previous research supports the health benefits of coffee. Caffeine has been associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, while decaffeinated coffee is rich in antioxidants that may aid metabolism and reduce inflammation. Additionally, compounds in coffee could potentially protect the brain from degenerative diseases like Parkinson’s.
A separate study earlier this year found that drinking at least five cups of coffee a day was linked to a 32% lower risk of colorectal cancer recurrence, and three to five cups daily were associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality. However, the benefits were observed to decrease with higher consumption beyond five cups.
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