Black Coffee May Prolong Life: Study Reveals Sugar and Cream Can Cancel Health Benefits
A new U.S. study finds that drinking plain coffee without added sugar or saturated fats is linked to a 14% lower risk of early death—highlighting the true health power of black coffee.
Watan-In what comes as good news for coffee enthusiasts, a new study has concluded that drinking coffee without added sugar or saturated fats may help support a longer life free from disease.
According to Science Alert, citing the journal Nutrition, the idea that coffee can reduce the risk of early death has been around for some time. However, the research team—led by scientists from Tufts University—wanted to investigate whether what’s added to a cup of coffee makes a difference.
Coffee and Reduced Risk of Death
Epidemiologist Benji Zhu from Tufts University said, “Few studies have looked at how coffee additives influence the relationship between coffee consumption and mortality risk. This current study is among the first to quantify the amount of sweeteners and saturated fats added.”
The findings align with U.S. dietary guidelines that recommend limiting added sugars and saturated fats.
Sugar and Saturated Fats
The team analyzed health data from 46,332 American adults aged 20 or older, collected through government health surveys over an average of 9 to 11 years. During that time, 7,074 people died, and these deaths were compared to their coffee consumption habits.
Researchers found that coffee drinkers showed a notable reduction in the risk of death from all causes. However, when more than a small amount of sugar and saturated fat—such as from whole milk or cream—was added, the statistical significance of the benefit disappeared.
Black Coffee Benefits
Overall, drinking black coffee or coffee with very low sugar and fat content was associated with a 14% lower chance of early death, compared to not drinking coffee at all. The sweet spot appears to be drinking two to three cups per day.
The Role of Caffeine
The study’s results suggest that caffeine is likely the key factor behind these benefits, as people who drank decaffeinated coffee did not show the same reduction in mortality rates. In other words, sugar, milk, and cream appear to diminish coffee’s positive effects.
Bioactive Compounds in Coffee
Fang Fang Zhang, a researcher from Tufts University, explained:“The health benefits of coffee may be attributed to its bioactive compounds, but our study shows that adding sugar and saturated fats can reduce its longevity-enhancing effects.”
Still More to Learn
Despite the promising results, the researchers stress that more studies are needed—especially to understand how various coffee components protect against early death. Factors like when the coffee is consumed may also play a role, as noted in a separate study published earlier this year.
Nonetheless, this new research is particularly valuable because it isolates coffee itself from other ingredients typically added to it—something that many similar studies haven’t done, as they often focus on only one specific factor.
