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Coffee and Tea Are Shockingly Good at Keeping You Healthy
Both beverages, especially in large amounts, are linked to better health and longer life
New research adds a cup or two of good news to a pot of mounting evidence indicating that both coffee and tea — and apparently lots of it — can help people live longer, healthier lives. There’s just one catch: The evidence suggests you’ll want to eat well and exercise, too. Caffeinated drinks won’t make up for copious doughnuts and couch time.
In several past studies, coffee consumption has been linked to a lower risk for type 2 diabetes, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease. A study last month tied consumption of several daily cups of coffee to a 16% lower risk of death from prostate cancer. People who drink tea (green or black) have been found to live longer, too, and have lower odds of heart disease and other deadly illnesses.
“There is not yet enough clear evidence to recommend increasing coffee consumption to decrease the risk of heart disease with the same strength and certainty as stopping smoking, losing weight, or exercising.”
