British scientists have found that a certain balance in coffee and tea consumption is associated with a reduced risk of premature death. According to the study, published in the prestigious British Journal of Nutrition, the lowest health risks were observed in people who drank a total of about seven to eight cups of these beverages per day.
The work is based on an analysis of data from more than 182,000 participants from the UK Biobank, who were followed for 13 years. The most positive effect was seen in the group that followed a pattern of “moderate coffee consumption and high tea consumption”. On average, this corresponded to approximately 2-3 cups of coffee and 4-5 cups of tea per day. Participants with such habits were less likely to die from cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive diseases. In this case, the total volume of fluid mattered – consumption of less than four cups per day did not have a noticeable effect.
Scientists attribute this to the beneficial properties of the drinks. Coffee is rich in chlorogenic acid, which protects blood vessels and the intestines, and tea contains catechins with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Together, they can strengthen the body's antioxidant defenses.
At the same time, the study authors and medical experts emphasize the importance of moderation. Excessive caffeine consumption, especially more than 3-4 cups of strong coffee per day, can lead to negative consequences: insomnia, anxiety and rapid heartbeat.
It's important to understand that this study suggests a correlation, not a direct cause. People who follow this drinking regimen may also lead healthier lives overall. So don't take this data as a strict “formula,” but as further evidence that a balanced coffee and tea intake is a healthy habit for your health.
