Regular coffee consumption, both sweetened and unsweetened, has been found to significantly reduce the risk of mortality. However, this positive effect is not present in coffee with artificial sweeteners. Researchers from the Southern Medical University in Guangzhou, China, analyzed data from 171,000 participants in the UK whose health status was observed over seven years. The study found that individuals who regularly consumed coffee without sugar had a 16 to 21 percent lower risk of mortality compared to those who did not drink coffee. Surprisingly, the risk of mortality decreased even further, by 29 to 31 percent, for those who drank sweetened coffee. However, no positive effect on mortality was observed for coffee with artificial sweeteners.
Previous studies have shown that coffee consumption reduces the risk of liver disease and multiple sclerosis, and even increases life expectancy. The study by the Chinese researchers further supports the positive effects of coffee on life expectancy. However, the potential health problems caused by artificial sweeteners, such as an increased risk of cancer and diabetes, may explain why no positive effect on mortality was observed for coffee with artificial sweeteners.
Christina Wee, a professor at Harvard University, cautioned against interpreting the study results as an invitation to consume large amounts of sugar in coffee. On average, the participants in the study added one teaspoon of sugar per cup of coffee.
In conclusion, the study provides further evidence of the positive effects of coffee consumption on life expectancy, particularly for those who drink coffee without sugar. However, the potential health risks associated with artificial sweeteners suggest that individuals should be cautious when adding sweeteners to their coffee.
