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Time of India
15 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
How many cups of coffee do you drink a day? Science says this exact amount could lower death risk by 14%
Having one or two cups of black coffee each day could reduce the risk of dying early by 14%, according to a new study quoted by PTI. But adding sugar or milk might reduce these health benefits, researchers have warned. The study, published in The Journal of Nutrition, was led by Fang Fang Zhang from Tufts University in the US. She explained, 'The health benefits of coffee might be due to its bioactive compounds, but our results suggest that adding sugar and saturated fat may take away these benefits.' What the study found The research team studied data from over 46,000 adults aged 20 and above. The data came from nine cycles of the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), collected between 1999 and 2018. This information was then linked to national death records. Participants reported what they ate and drank in a 24-hour period. Based on that, their coffee habits were studied, whether they drank it with or without caffeine, how much sugar and saturated fat they added, and how many cups they consumed. Black coffee vs coffee with sugar and fat Bingjie Zhou, first author of the study and a PhD graduate from Tufts, said, 'Few studies have looked at how coffee additives affect the link between coffee and mortality. Our study is one of the first to measure how much sugar and saturated fat people are adding.' Live Events The researchers found that people who drank black coffee or coffee with very little sugar and fat had a 14% lower risk of dying from any cause compared to those who didn't drink coffee at all. Having two to three cups of coffee a day was linked to a 17% lower risk of death. However, drinking more than three cups a day did not show extra benefits. In fact, the link between coffee and reduced death from heart disease became weaker beyond that point. Key takeaway While coffee may offer health benefits, the study suggests that these may only apply when it's drunk plain or with minimal additions. Too much sugar or fat could cancel out the good effects. Inputs from PTI
India Today
16 hours ago
- Health
- India Today
Your morning coffee might be adding years to your life. If you drink it black
Do you take your morning cup of coffee, black? If yes, you should read this with a big smile. Science just confirmed it could be quietly adding years to your consumption has been linked to a lower risk of mortality in a new observational study published in The Journal of Nutrition. Researchers at Tufts University found the association between coffee consumption and mortality risk changes with the amount of sweeteners and saturated fat added to the The team found that consumption of 1-2 cups of caffeinated coffee per day was linked to a lower risk of death from all causes and death from cardiovascular was a 14% lower risk of all-cause mortality in the case of coffee with low levels of added sugar and saturated fat, as compared to no coffee consumption. However, the same link was not observed for coffee with high amounts of added sugar and saturated fat. There was a 14% lower risk of all-cause mortality in the case of coffee with low levels of added sugar. (Photo: Getty) The study analysed data from nine consecutive cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2018, linked to National Death Index Mortality is among the most-consumed beverages in the world, and with nearly half of American adults reporting drinking at least one cup per day, it's important for us to know what it might mean for health,' said Fang Fang Zhang, senior author of the added that the health benefits of coffee might be attributable to its bioactive compounds, but results suggest that the addition of sugar and saturated fat may reduce the mortality benefits. The study found that drinking at least one cup of coffee per day was linked to a 16% lower risk of dying from any cause. The benefit slightly increased to 17% for those who drank 2–3 cups daily. However, drinking more than three cups didn't offer extra protection — in fact, the connection between coffee and reduced risk of heart-related deaths weakened at higher researchers found no significant link between coffee consumption and a lower risk of dying from Watch
Hindustan Times
26-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Pistachios are more than just a snack, experts weigh in
They've long been sprinkled over biryanis, tucked into mithai, and enjoyed during festive feasts — but pistachios are finally being recognised for more than just their garnish-worthy appeal. As India grapples with soaring numbers of diabetes and prediabetes — 101 million and 136 million adults, respectively — this humble nut is quietly being recast as a nutritional powerhouse. Earlier this year, the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF) published a study in The Journal of Nutrition that underscores pistachios' potential in diabetes prevention. Led by MDRF chairman Dr V Mohan, the 12-week clinical trial involving 120 individuals with prediabetes found that consuming 30 grams of roasted pistachios before breakfast and dinner led to measurable improvements, from better blood sugar control to reductions in weight, triglyceride levels and waist circumference. 'It's a simple, effective intervention,' says Dr Mohan. Nutritionally, pistachios tick multiple boxes. 'They're rich in protein for muscle health, packed with dietary fibre to aid digestion and regulate blood sugar, and full of heart-friendly fats,' says nutritionist Dr Anjana Kalia, adding, 'Roasted and unsalted varieties make for one of the best on-the-go snacks.' Their benefits extend further: folate for expectant mothers, magnesium for ageing bones, and heart-healthy fats for just about everyone. 'Pistachios are especially good for pregnant women due to their folate content, and for elders because of their bone-strengthening properties,' adds Dr Drishya Ale, a dietitian at Paras Health, Gurugram. It's no surprise, then, that pistachios are becoming more than just festive fare. 'There's been a post-pandemic shift in how India snacks,' notes Sumit Saran, India representative of American Pistachio Growers, adding, 'Earlier, pistachios were mainly used as a garnish. Now, people are embracing them as part of their everyday diet.' Though India doesn't commercially grow pistachios, California-grown varieties are widely available. 'You'll find them in stores across the country,' Saran adds and says, 'All consumers need to do is look for California pistachios and pick their preferred brand.' Pistachios, it seems, are no longer just a treat. They're a habit worth developing.
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Good, bad, or unhealthy?
Some Food Pairings Boost Absorption And Health; Others Mess With Digestion. Here's How To Get Your Mix Right MIX AND MATCH GREEN TEA AND PEPPER Piperine, the compound that gives black pepper its pungency, enhances the absorption of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an antioxidant found in green tea, says Meenakshi Bajaj, dietician at Tamil Nadu Govt Multi Super Specialty Hospital. A 2020 study in The Journal of Nutrition found that piperine inhibited the glucuronidation of EGCG in the small intestine and slowed gastrointestinal transit. 'But limit green tea to 300ml per day.' LEMON AND SWEET POTATO Adding fresh lemon drops to boiled and cooled potatoes helps prevent a spike in blood sugar levels after eating, known as the postprandial blood glucose, says Meenakshi. 'Sweet potatoes increases resistant starch, which is digested slowly. The ascorbic acid in lemon supports this process.' OIL PLUS CARROT Vitamins A, D, E, and K require fat to be properly absorbed,' says Umashakthy G, senior dietician at Dr Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre. 'Adding a small amount of olive oil, ghee or almond oil when cooking carrots helps the body absorb this vitamin effectively.' MISMATCHED SAMBHAR WITH TAMARIND Tamarind with drumstick sambhar can hinder iron absorption . A 2024 study in Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences says tannins and phytates (found in tamarind) bind to plant-based iron (such as in drumstick), preventing its absorption. 'This can contribute to iron deficiency especially in vegetarian diets,' says Adeline Vinothini Rajkumar, clinical nutritionist. To improve iron absorption, go for lime instead of tamarind RAW EGGS WITH PROTEIN SHAKES Raw eggs with protein shakes can interfere with the absorption of biotin, a B-vitamin essential for heart health. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like เทรด CFDs ด้วยเทคโนโลยีเทรดสุดล้ำ และ รวดเร็วกว่า IC Markets อ่านเพิ่มเติม Undo 'Egg whites contain the protein avidin, which binds with biotin in the digestive tract, making absorption difficult. This can lead to biotin deficiency,' says Dr A Chezhian, gastroenterologist at Prashanth Hospitals. 'Use cooked eggs to allow proper biotin absorption.' SPINACH WITH CURD Iron-rich foods such as spinach are best absorbed when not paired with calcium-rich foods such as curd or beverages such as tea or coffee (that contain tannins and caffeine). 'Both interfere with iron absorption,' says Adeline. 'Beverages with 100-400mg of polyphenols per serving can reduce iron absorption by 60%-90%. Keep a gap between iron-rich foods and calcium or caffeine intake.'
