Drinking two to three cups of coffee a day is linked with a longer lifespan and lower risk of cardiovascular disease compared with avoiding coffee. This was the case for ground, instant and decaffeinated coffee.

In a study including almost 450,000 adults, drinking 2-3 cups of ground coffee per day was linked to a 27% lower all-cause mortality - in other words dying from all non-accidental causes. 2-3 cups of instant coffee per day was linked to a 11% lower all-cause mortality, and 2-3 cups of decaf coffee per day linked to 14% lower all-cause mortality risk - compared to no daily coffee.

Drinking 2-3 cups of ground coffee per day was linked to a 20% lower risk of CVD, 2-3 cups of instant coffee per day linked to a 9% lower risk of CVD, 2-3 cups of decaf coffee per day had a 6% lower risk of CVD compared to people that abstain from coffee.

Caffeine is the most well-known component in coffee, but it contains more than 100 biologically active components - including many polyphenols. The benefits on longevity and lower risks of cardiovascular disease - the number one killer in most developed countries - were found in decaf coffee which does not contain much caffeine.

But the caffeine had a surprising benefit. Ground and instant coffee, but not decaffeinated, was associated with an up to 17% reduction in arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation compared with non-coffee drinkers.

While there seems to be mounting evidence that coffee is beneficial - it is important to keep in mind that it shifts the body’s internal clock and if consumed later in the day - may disrupt sleep which could counteract positive benefits.

These findings suggest that regular consumption of ground coffee reduces the risk of premature death, cardiovascular disease, and arrhythmias, potentially prolonging lifespan. Evidence from other studies suggests that filtered coffee is more protective than unfiltered coffee. Watch Q&A #22 to learn more.

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