Sitting for extended periods is a common reality in today’s world, be it at work or home. While exercise is crucial for good health, new research suggests that coffee consumption might offer an unexpected benefit – mitigating the dangers of prolonged sitting.
Coffee Can Reduce The Health Risks Of Prolonged Sitting
A study published in BMC Public Health involving over 10,000 US participants found that those who drank coffee regularly were less likely to die from any cause over a 13-year period, even if they sat for six or more hours daily. Compared to non-coffee drinkers with similar sitting habits, regular coffee drinkers had a 1.58 times lower risk of death.
Researchers from Soochow University in China, who led the study, believe this is the first to explore how coffee might counteract the increased mortality risk associated with prolonged sitting. Their analysis of long-term health data revealed that coffee consumption seemed to cancel out the link between a sedentary lifestyle and death from cardiovascular disease and other causes.
Coffee’s Protective Effect
This finding is particularly significant because previous research suggests that even regular exercise may not fully protect against the long-term health risks of sitting for long periods, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or stroke.
The study found that participants who sat for more than eight hours a day had a higher risk of death from all causes and cardiovascular disease compared to those who sat for less than four hours. However, this increased risk was only observed in adults who did not drink coffee.
Interestingly, regardless of how much coffee they consumed daily, sedentary individuals who did drink coffee had a reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Additionally, those who drank more than two and a half cups of coffee daily had a lower risk of death from all causes compared to non-coffee drinkers who sat for extended periods.
While the exact reason behind coffee’s protective effect remains unclear, previous research has linked coffee consumption to a longer and healthier life. Caffeine, a key component in coffee, has been shown to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Even decaf coffee boasts antioxidants that can improve metabolism and reduce inflammation. Some coffee compounds might even offer protection against brain diseases like Parkinson’s.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (Representative Image)
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.