Are you drinking too much coffee?
Scientists’ claim that those under 55 who drink an average of more than four cups of coffee a day are at a 56% greater risk of death from all causes.
The researchers found that consuming 28 cups of coffee a week increases the chances of premature death in younger people by half.
According to the findings published in the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings, there were no adverse effects for heavy coffee drinkers aged over 55.
The researchers at the University of South Carolina analysed medical data of more than 40,000 people. Personal history questionnaires were completed by the 20 to 87 aged people between 1979 and 1998. After the follow-up period of 17 years more than 2,500 participants had died.
The study found that those who drank larger amounts of coffee were more likely to smoke and had less healthy lungs and hearts.
Researcher Steven Blair, of the University of South Carolina, said: ‘Significantly the results did not demonstrate any association between coffee consumption and all-cause mortality in older men and women.’
He said that coffee was a complex mixture with thousands of components. It is a source of beneficial antioxidants and can fight inflammation. But is can also stimulate the release of epinephrine, inhibit insulin activity, and increase blood pressure.
"The exact mechanism between coffee and mortality still needs clarification. Coffee is high in caffeine, which has the potential to stimulate the release of epinephrine, inhibit insulin activity, and increase blood pressure," said Xuemei Sui, a co-author on the study.
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