A new study has found that drinking a daily cup of black coffee—without added sugars or excessive cream—may provide significant health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease and overall mortality. According to Health.com, researchers discovered that individuals who consumed one to two cups of coffee per day had a 14% lower risk of death compared to non-coffee drinkers. However, this benefit was seen only among those who drank their coffee black or with minimal additions such as a small amount of milk, cream, or sweeteners.
Coffee Without Excess Additions
Dr. Fang Fang Zhang, professor at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University and lead author of the study, explained:
“If we add too much sugar or saturated fat to our diet, it increases our total calorie intake, which can be linked to negative health outcomes.”
The study, published in The Journal of Nutrition in May, followed over 46,000 American adults for nearly 10 years. Researchers aimed to investigate whether coffee-drinking habits were associated with mortality risk.
Notable Decrease in Mortality Risk
The study found that drinking one cup of coffee daily was associated with a 16% lower risk of all-cause mortality, while drinking two to three cups per day correlated with a 17% reduction. Additionally, coffee drinkers had a 29–33% lower risk of death from heart disease compared to those who did not consume coffee.
The Role of Additives
Importantly, the study also examined the impact of additives such as sugar, milk, or cream. Compared to non-coffee drinkers, those who consumed coffee black or with low amounts of sugar and saturated fat experienced a 14% decrease in overall mortality risk. However, the study did not find an increase in death risk for those who added moderate amounts of sugar or dairy. The main concern remains excessive consumption, which can contribute to poor cardiovascular health and increased mortality over time.
Final Thoughts
While the addition of small amounts of milk or sugar does not appear to eliminate coffee’s benefits, excessive intake of saturated fats and sugars in general can diminish heart health. This study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that moderate coffee consumption—especially black coffee—can be part of a healthy lifestyle, particularly when combined with balanced nutrition and regular physical activity.
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