Have another cup: Research shows coffee could help people live longer

If you’re thinking about brewing another pot of coffee, it may be a good idea.

A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine shows that people who drink as many as eight cups of coffee per day may be healthier than non-coffee drinkers.

Among coffee-lovers brand choices, researchers found that regular ground coffee, as opposed to instant coffee, had the best health outcomes.

“So the hypothesis for that is, because it has greater levels of polyphenols or the benefit, the main benefit, you get antioxidants from the coffee,” said Julia Zumpano, a dietitian with the Cleveland Clinic.

The study looked at data on more than 9 million people in the United Kingdom. Coffee drinking decreased a person’s risk of all causes of death and researchers concluded that moderate coffee consumption can be part of a healthy diet.

One serving size of coffee is eight fluid ounces, but most mugs and “to-go” cups come in sizes of 12, 16 or 20 ounces. That means many people who think they consume only one or two cups a day may be drinking much more.

Zumpano said eight cups of black coffee is the best choice, but people who start adding things to their coffee should be careful.

“If you’re starting to add full-fat cream, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, flavored syrup, sugar, all these others, even flavored creamers or powdered coffee creamers that have a lot of negative ingredients that are now creating negative impacts on your health,” she said.

For those who want more flavor in their coffee, Zumpano suggests adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for sweetness.

Zumpano said some people can’t drink coffee for medical reasons, so many people should consider speaking to their doctor before adding coffee to their diet.