As I write this, I have a latte by my side. It is my third cup of the day and there could be at least one more before dinner. Caffeine is my main addiction and I have no intention of doing anything about it - especially when more and more studies keep coming out touting the benefits of a daily mug...or two or three.
The latest is a study of more than 400,000 people, which found that drinking coffee could actually lower your risk of death. Yes, that's right: drink a latte, save a life. Sort of.
The 13-year observational study found that men who drank four to five cups of coffee a day reduced their risk of death by 12 percent. For women, the drop was even greater: 16 percent.
The study was published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine, so I tend to take it seriously. However, it's important to note that an observational study follows people over time and there's no comparison control group.
Still, I think there's something to this. A growing number of studies have found various health benefits for coffee, including that it may lower the risk of dementia (a major worry for midlifers).
Of course, coffee is just one factor in determining longevity. If you drink coffee but also smoke, eat lots of red meat and never exercise, the coffee won't save you.
Bottom line: Enjoy your coffee, but maintain healthy habits the rest of the day as well.
