Doctors have discovered people living to 100 years have been drinking a popular hot drink “multiple times a day”.
Researchers in blue zones, areas of the world where a significant portion of the population live to over 100, have been trying to work out the secrets to longevity. Beyond simple genetics, they have found lifestyle habits such as diet, exercise, rest and social relationships can help us live longer.
According to Dr Krzysztof J Filipiak, a cardiologist at the International Society of Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy, people living in the blue zones are known to regularly drink cups of coffee. In particular, Dr Filipiak noticed they regularly drink espresso.
READ MORE: ‘Early’ dementia sign could appear while watching favourite TV show
READ MORE: People can ‘lower cholesterol levels’ by eating one popular fruit every day
Originating in Milan over a century ago, espresso takes its name from “pressed coffee”. It is made when the water is pushed through the coffee grounds at a very high pressure, which results in a slower filtering process from regular coffee.
Dr Filipiak noted residents on the tiny island of Sardinia, a blue zone in the Mediterranean Sea, drink several espressos a day, although they do not add any additives like honey or sugar. The doctor says the drink contains polyphenols, a known antioxidant.
This means the espresso helps protect cells. Polyphenols are also said to have anti-inflammatory effects and possible cardiovascular health benefits, with their presence regularly considered to reduce the risk of various chronic diseases.
A 2021 study said: “Coffee contains human health-related molecules, namely polyphenols that possess a wide range of pharmacological functions, and their intake is associated with reduced colon cancer risk.”
After analysing how thousands of cups of coffee would react to enzymes in the human body, the scientists concluded: “Coffee was demonstrated to exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In fact, coffee samples inhibited intracellular reactive oxygen species and pro-inflammatory pathways, thus exerting potential protective effects against cancer transformation on human colon cells.”
Coffee as an antioxidant
According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, coffee ranks at sixth in a list of 50 foods rich in antioxidants. Only blackberries, walnuts, strawberries, artichokes, and blueberries ranked more highly.
It said: “Of the 50 food products highest in antioxidant concentrations, 13 were spices, eight were in the fruit and vegetables category, five were berries, five were chocolate-based, five were breakfast cereals, and four were nuts or seeds.
“On the basis of typical serving sizes, blackberries, walnuts, strawberries, artichokes, cranberries, brewed coffee, raspberries, pecans, blueberries, ground cloves, grape juice, and unsweetened baking chocolate were at the top of the ranked list.”
And while the effect of coffee on the heart can depend on the amount an individual consumes, with those who drink coffee occasionally seeing a temporary increase in blood pressure, people who consume it regularly appear to adapt to the spikes and learn to mitigate them, claimed Dr Filipiak.
Can coffee lower the risk of developing diabetes?
Coffee is also said to improve insulin sensitivity, reducing the risks of developing type two diabetes. A 2021 study says this is because it helps “liver fat oxidation”.
It said: “One major site of coffee actions appears to be the liver, causing improved fat oxidation and lower risk of steatosis.
“Another major effect of coffee intake is preservation of functional beta cell mass via enhanced mitochondrial function, lower endoplasmic reticulum stress and prevention or clearance of aggregates of misfolded proinsulin or amylin.
“Long-term preservation of proper liver and beta cell function may account for the association of habitual coffee drinking with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, rather than acute improvement of metabolic control.”