What effect does coffee and tea consumption have on longevity, cancer risk, GERD reflux, bone fractures, glaucoma, sleep quality, and atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat)?
Coffee and Mortality
Do coffee drinkers live longer than non-coffee drinkers? Is it, “Wake up and smell the coffee,” or “Don’t wake up at all?” The largest study ever conducted on diet and health put that question to the test, examining the association between coffee drinking and subsequent mortality among hundreds of thousands of older men and women in the United States. Coffee drinkers won, though the effect was modest. 10 to 15% lower risk of death for those drinking six or more cups a day, specifically due to lower risk of dying from heart disease, respiratory disease, stroke, injuries and accidents, diabetes, and infections.
That much coffee was found to increase the death rates of younger people, though—under age 55. Hence, based on this study, it may be appropriate to recommend that you avoid drinking more than four cups a day. But, if you put all the studies together, the bottom line is that coffee consumption is associated with no change or a small reduction in mortality starting around one or two cups a day, for both men and women.
On a cup by cup basis, the risk of dying was 3% lower for each cup of coffee consumed daily, which provides reassurance with respect to the concern that coffee drinking might adversely affect health.
Well, at least, longevity. Healthwise though, a recent population study found no link between coffee consumption and symptoms of GERD, such as heartburn and regurgitation. If you actually stick a tube down people’s throats and measure pH, coffee induces significant acid reflux, whereas tea does not. Is it just because tea has less caffeine? No. If you reduce the caffeine content of coffee down to that of tea, it still causes significantly more acid reflux. Decaf did cause less though, so GERD patients might want to choose decaffeinated, or even better, drink tea.
Coffee intake is also associated with urinary incontinence, and so a decrease in caffeine intake should be discussed with women who have the condition, or men. About two cups of coffee a day worth of caffeine may worsen urinary leakage in men as well.
A 2014 meta-analysis suggested that daily coffee consumption was associated with a slightly increased risk of bone fractures in women, but a decreased risk of fractures in men. Not hip fractures, though. No significant association was found between coffee consumption and the risk of hip fracture, though tea consumption may actually be protective against hip fracture, though it appears to have no apparent relationship with fracture risk in general.
There are certain populations in particular who may want to stay away from caffeine; for example, those with glaucoma, and possibly even those with a family history of glaucoma.
It goes without saying that people who have trouble sleeping might not want to imbibe. Even just a single cup at night can cause a significant deterioration in sleep quality. Then there are case reports, for example, of individuals with epilepsy having fewer seizures after stopping coffee; so, I guess it’s worth a shot.
We used to think caffeine might increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation, but that too was based on anecdotal case reports, like this one of a young woman who suffered atrial fibrillation after chocolate intake abuse. But these cases invariably involved the acute ingestion of very large quantities of caffeine. As a result, though, the notion that caffeine ingestion may trigger abnormal heart rhythms had become ”common knowledge,” and this assumption led to changes in medical practice. More recently, however, the pendulum has swung in the opposite direction. Why? Because we actually have data now: caffeine does not increase the risk of atrial fibrillation. And low-dose caffeine, which they define as less than about five cups of coffee a day, may even have a protective effect. Tea consumption also appears to lower cardiovascular disease risk, especially when it comes to stroke. However, given the proliferation of energy drinks that contain massive quantities of caffeine, one might temper any message that suggests caffeine is beneficial. Seems a little patronizing, but it’s no joke. Twelve highly caffeinated energy drinks within a few hours could be lethal.
To see any graphs, charts, graphics, images, and quotes to which Dr. Greger may be referring, watch the above video. This is just an approximation of the audio contributed by Katie Schloer.
Please consider volunteering to help out on the site.
- L Arab, F Khan, H Lam. Tea consumption and cardiovascular disease risk. Am J Clin Nutr. 2013 Dec;98(6 Suppl):1651S-1659S.
- JH O'Keefe, SK Bhatti, HR Patil, JJ DiNicolantonio, SC Lucan, CJ Lavie. Effects of habitual coffee consumption on cardiometabolic disease, cardiovascular health, and all-cause mortality. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2013 Sep 17;62(12):1043-51.
- GM Allan, C Korownyk, M Mannarino. Coffee: advice for our vice? Can Fam Physician. 2013 Mar;59(3):269.
- S Malerba, F Turati, C Galeone, C Pelucchi, F Verga, C La Vecchia, A Tavani. A meta-analysis of prospective studies of coffee consumption and mortality for all causes, cancers and cardiovascular diseases. Eur J Epidemiol. 2013 Jul;28(7):527-39.
- ND Freedman, Y Park, CC Abnet, AR Hollenbeck, R Sinha. Association of coffee drinking with total and cause-specific mortality. N Engl J Med. 2012 May 17;366(20):1891-904.
- J Liu, X Sui, CJ Lavie, JR Hebert, CP Earnest, J Zhang, SN Blair. Association of coffee consumption with all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality. Mayo Clin Proc. 2013 Oct;88(10):1066-74.
- JH Kang, WC Willett, BA Rosner, SE Hankinson, LR Pasquale. Caffeine consumption and the risk of primary open-angle glaucoma: a prospective cohort study. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2008 May;49(5):1924-31.
- MS Butt, MT Sultan. Coffee and its consumption: benefits and risks. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2011 Apr;51(4):363-73.
- JL Gleason, HE Richter, DT Redden, PS Goode, KL Burgio, AD Markland. Caffeine and urinary incontinence in US women. Int Urogynecol J. 2013 Feb;24(2):295-302.
- NJ Davis, CP Vaughan, TM Johnson TM, PS Goode, KL Burgio, DT Redden, AD Markland. Caffeine intake and its association with urinary incontinence in United States men: results from National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2005-2006 and 2007-2008. J Urol. 2013 Jun;189(6):2170-4.
- C Lloret-Linares, C Lafuente-Lafuente, O Chassany, A Green, V Delcey, S Mouly, JF Bergmann. Does a single cup of coffee at dinner alter the sleep? A controlled cross-over randomised trial in real-life conditions. Nutrition & Dietetics, 69: 250–255.
- KA Sepkowitz. Energy drinks and caffeine-related adverse effects. JAMA. 2013 Jan 16;309(3):243-4.
- B Wendl, A Pfeiffer, C Pehl, T Schmidt, H Kaess. Effect of decaffeination of coffee or tea on gastro-oesophageal reflux. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 1994 Jun;8(3):283-7.
- T Shimamoto, N Yamamichi, S Kodashima, Y Takahashi, M Fujishiro, M Oka, T Mitsushima, K Koike. No association of coffee consumption with gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, reflux esophagitis, and non-erosive reflux disease: a cross-sectional study of 8,013 healthy subjects in Japan. PLoS One. 2013 Jun 12;8(6):e65996.
- DR Lee, J Lee, M Rota, J Lee, HS Ahn, SM Park, D Shin. Coffee consumption and risk of fractures: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. Bone. 2014 Jun;63:20-8.
- PD Bhave, K Hoffmayer. Caffeine and atrial fibrillation: friends or foes? Heart. 2013 Oct;99(19):1377-8.
- D Caldeira, C Martins, LB Alves, H Pereira, JJ Ferreira, J Costa. Caffeine does not increase the risk of atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Heart. 2013 Oct;99(19):1383-9.
- M Cheng, Z Hu, X Lu, J Huang, D Gu. Caffeine intake and atrial fibrillation incidence: dose response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Can J Cardiol. 2014 Apr;30(4):448-54.
- B Chen, HF Shi, SC Wu. Tea consumption didn't modify the risk of fracture: a dose-response meta-analysis of observational studies. Diagn Pathol. 2014 Mar 3;9:44.
- J Sheng, X Qu, X Zhang, Z Zhai, H Li, X Liu, H Li, G Liu, Z Zhu, Y Hao, A Qin, K Da. Coffee, tea, and the risk of hip fracture: a meta-analysis. Osteoporos Int. 2014 Jan;25(1):141-50.
- M Li, M Wang, W Guo, J Wang, X Sun. The effect of caffeine on intraocular pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2011 Mar;249(3):435-42.
- L Bonilha, LM Li. Heavy coffee drinking and epilepsy. Seizure. 2004 Jun;13(4):284-5.
- S Patanè, F Marte, FC La Rosa, R La Rocca. Atrial fibrillation associated with chocolate intake abuse and chronic salbutamol inhalation abuse. Int J Cardiol. 2010 Nov 19;145(2):e74-6.
Images thanks to Anne Worner via Flickr.
Do coffee drinkers live longer than non-coffee drinkers? Is it, “Wake up and smell the coffee,” or “Don’t wake up at all?” The largest study ever conducted on diet and health put that question to the test, examining the association between coffee drinking and subsequent mortality among hundreds of thousands of older men and women in the United States. Coffee drinkers won, though the effect was modest. 10 to 15% lower risk of death for those drinking six or more cups a day, specifically due to lower risk of dying from heart disease, respiratory disease, stroke, injuries and accidents, diabetes, and infections.
That much coffee was found to increase the death rates of younger people, though—under age 55. Hence, based on this study, it may be appropriate to recommend that you avoid drinking more than four cups a day. But, if you put all the studies together, the bottom line is that coffee consumption is associated with no change or a small reduction in mortality starting around one or two cups a day, for both men and women.
On a cup by cup basis, the risk of dying was 3% lower for each cup of coffee consumed daily, which provides reassurance with respect to the concern that coffee drinking might adversely affect health.
Well, at least, longevity. Healthwise though, a recent population study found no link between coffee consumption and symptoms of GERD, such as heartburn and regurgitation. If you actually stick a tube down people’s throats and measure pH, coffee induces significant acid reflux, whereas tea does not. Is it just because tea has less caffeine? No. If you reduce the caffeine content of coffee down to that of tea, it still causes significantly more acid reflux. Decaf did cause less though, so GERD patients might want to choose decaffeinated, or even better, drink tea.
Coffee intake is also associated with urinary incontinence, and so a decrease in caffeine intake should be discussed with women who have the condition, or men. About two cups of coffee a day worth of caffeine may worsen urinary leakage in men as well.
A 2014 meta-analysis suggested that daily coffee consumption was associated with a slightly increased risk of bone fractures in women, but a decreased risk of fractures in men. Not hip fractures, though. No significant association was found between coffee consumption and the risk of hip fracture, though tea consumption may actually be protective against hip fracture, though it appears to have no apparent relationship with fracture risk in general.
There are certain populations in particular who may want to stay away from caffeine; for example, those with glaucoma, and possibly even those with a family history of glaucoma.
It goes without saying that people who have trouble sleeping might not want to imbibe. Even just a single cup at night can cause a significant deterioration in sleep quality. Then there are case reports, for example, of individuals with epilepsy having fewer seizures after stopping coffee; so, I guess it’s worth a shot.
We used to think caffeine might increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation, but that too was based on anecdotal case reports, like this one of a young woman who suffered atrial fibrillation after chocolate intake abuse. But these cases invariably involved the acute ingestion of very large quantities of caffeine. As a result, though, the notion that caffeine ingestion may trigger abnormal heart rhythms had become ”common knowledge,” and this assumption led to changes in medical practice. More recently, however, the pendulum has swung in the opposite direction. Why? Because we actually have data now: caffeine does not increase the risk of atrial fibrillation. And low-dose caffeine, which they define as less than about five cups of coffee a day, may even have a protective effect. Tea consumption also appears to lower cardiovascular disease risk, especially when it comes to stroke. However, given the proliferation of energy drinks that contain massive quantities of caffeine, one might temper any message that suggests caffeine is beneficial. Seems a little patronizing, but it’s no joke. Twelve highly caffeinated energy drinks within a few hours could be lethal.
To see any graphs, charts, graphics, images, and quotes to which Dr. Greger may be referring, watch the above video. This is just an approximation of the audio contributed by Katie Schloer.
Please consider volunteering to help out on the site.
- L Arab, F Khan, H Lam. Tea consumption and cardiovascular disease risk. Am J Clin Nutr. 2013 Dec;98(6 Suppl):1651S-1659S.
- JH O'Keefe, SK Bhatti, HR Patil, JJ DiNicolantonio, SC Lucan, CJ Lavie. Effects of habitual coffee consumption on cardiometabolic disease, cardiovascular health, and all-cause mortality. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2013 Sep 17;62(12):1043-51.
- GM Allan, C Korownyk, M Mannarino. Coffee: advice for our vice? Can Fam Physician. 2013 Mar;59(3):269.
- S Malerba, F Turati, C Galeone, C Pelucchi, F Verga, C La Vecchia, A Tavani. A meta-analysis of prospective studies of coffee consumption and mortality for all causes, cancers and cardiovascular diseases. Eur J Epidemiol. 2013 Jul;28(7):527-39.
- ND Freedman, Y Park, CC Abnet, AR Hollenbeck, R Sinha. Association of coffee drinking with total and cause-specific mortality. N Engl J Med. 2012 May 17;366(20):1891-904.
- J Liu, X Sui, CJ Lavie, JR Hebert, CP Earnest, J Zhang, SN Blair. Association of coffee consumption with all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality. Mayo Clin Proc. 2013 Oct;88(10):1066-74.
- JH Kang, WC Willett, BA Rosner, SE Hankinson, LR Pasquale. Caffeine consumption and the risk of primary open-angle glaucoma: a prospective cohort study. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2008 May;49(5):1924-31.
- MS Butt, MT Sultan. Coffee and its consumption: benefits and risks. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2011 Apr;51(4):363-73.
- JL Gleason, HE Richter, DT Redden, PS Goode, KL Burgio, AD Markland. Caffeine and urinary incontinence in US women. Int Urogynecol J. 2013 Feb;24(2):295-302.
- NJ Davis, CP Vaughan, TM Johnson TM, PS Goode, KL Burgio, DT Redden, AD Markland. Caffeine intake and its association with urinary incontinence in United States men: results from National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2005-2006 and 2007-2008. J Urol. 2013 Jun;189(6):2170-4.
- C Lloret-Linares, C Lafuente-Lafuente, O Chassany, A Green, V Delcey, S Mouly, JF Bergmann. Does a single cup of coffee at dinner alter the sleep? A controlled cross-over randomised trial in real-life conditions. Nutrition & Dietetics, 69: 250–255.
- KA Sepkowitz. Energy drinks and caffeine-related adverse effects. JAMA. 2013 Jan 16;309(3):243-4.
- B Wendl, A Pfeiffer, C Pehl, T Schmidt, H Kaess. Effect of decaffeination of coffee or tea on gastro-oesophageal reflux. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 1994 Jun;8(3):283-7.
- T Shimamoto, N Yamamichi, S Kodashima, Y Takahashi, M Fujishiro, M Oka, T Mitsushima, K Koike. No association of coffee consumption with gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, reflux esophagitis, and non-erosive reflux disease: a cross-sectional study of 8,013 healthy subjects in Japan. PLoS One. 2013 Jun 12;8(6):e65996.
- DR Lee, J Lee, M Rota, J Lee, HS Ahn, SM Park, D Shin. Coffee consumption and risk of fractures: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. Bone. 2014 Jun;63:20-8.
- PD Bhave, K Hoffmayer. Caffeine and atrial fibrillation: friends or foes? Heart. 2013 Oct;99(19):1377-8.
- D Caldeira, C Martins, LB Alves, H Pereira, JJ Ferreira, J Costa. Caffeine does not increase the risk of atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Heart. 2013 Oct;99(19):1383-9.
- M Cheng, Z Hu, X Lu, J Huang, D Gu. Caffeine intake and atrial fibrillation incidence: dose response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Can J Cardiol. 2014 Apr;30(4):448-54.
- B Chen, HF Shi, SC Wu. Tea consumption didn't modify the risk of fracture: a dose-response meta-analysis of observational studies. Diagn Pathol. 2014 Mar 3;9:44.
- J Sheng, X Qu, X Zhang, Z Zhai, H Li, X Liu, H Li, G Liu, Z Zhu, Y Hao, A Qin, K Da. Coffee, tea, and the risk of hip fracture: a meta-analysis. Osteoporos Int. 2014 Jan;25(1):141-50.
- M Li, M Wang, W Guo, J Wang, X Sun. The effect of caffeine on intraocular pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2011 Mar;249(3):435-42.
- L Bonilha, LM Li. Heavy coffee drinking and epilepsy. Seizure. 2004 Jun;13(4):284-5.
- S Patanè, F Marte, FC La Rosa, R La Rocca. Atrial fibrillation associated with chocolate intake abuse and chronic salbutamol inhalation abuse. Int J Cardiol. 2010 Nov 19;145(2):e74-6.
Images thanks to Anne Worner via Flickr.
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Coffee and Mortality
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Content URLDoctor's Note
I’ve reviewed various health aspects of coffee before:
- Coffee and Cancer
- What About the Caffeine?
- Preventing Liver Cancer with Coffee?
- Coffee and Artery Function
- Does Coffee Affect Cholesterol?
- Which Coffee Is Healthier: Light vs. Dark Roast?
- Does Low-Acid Coffee Cause Less Acid Reflux?
- Do the Health Benefits of Coffee Apply to Everyone?
- Does Adding Milk Block the Benefits of Coffee?
And Does Coffee Inhibit Iron Absorption? What Are the Effects of Having Too Much Iron? Watch the video to find out.
What else can we consume to live longer?
- Nuts May Help Prevent Death
- Increased Lifespan from Beans
- Fruits and Longevity: How Many Minutes per Mouthful?
For more on controlling acid reflux, see Diet and GERD Acid Reflux Heartburn and Diet and Hiatal Hernia.
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