Researchers tracking more than 182,000 adults for over a decade found that a balanced mix of coffee, tea, and water was associated with significantly lower risks of death from cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illness.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
A major study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that adults who consumed a specific daily combination of coffee, tea, and water experienced substantially lower mortality risks across multiple major diseases.
Researchers analyzed health and dietary data from 182,770 participants enrolled in the UK Biobank and followed them for approximately 13 years, examining how beverage consumption patterns correlated with long-term health outcomes.
The study found that participants consuming approximately seven to eight total beverages per day had a 28% lower risk of death from all causes compared to individuals drinking fewer than four beverages daily.
Researchers identified the strongest results among participants who consumed roughly two cups of coffee and three cups of tea per day in addition to regular water intake.
That specific ratio was associated with a 45% lower risk of death from all causes, according to the findings.
The study also linked the beverage combination to major reductions in disease-specific mortality. Participants following the coffee-and-tea pattern experienced a 41% lower risk of cancer-related death and a 31% lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease.
Respiratory disease mortality showed the largest decline, dropping by 72% among individuals maintaining the beverage routine. Deaths associated with digestive diseases fell by 65%.
Researchers said the findings suggest the combination of coffee and tea may provide complementary health effects beyond hydration alone.
Thomas M. Holland explained that both beverages contain plant-based compounds known as polyphenols, which are associated with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
According to Holland, coffee contains chlorogenic acids while tea provides catechins, compounds that may help reduce oxidative stress and cellular damage.
“Together, these beverages have the potential to act synergistically, each amplifying the other’s benefits,” Holland said.
Researchers and outside experts cautioned, however, that the study was observational and could not establish direct causation.
Eamon Laird said the research relied heavily on self-reported dietary data collected through 24-hour recall surveys, which depend on participants accurately remembering what they consumed.
Laird also noted the study lacked detailed information about how beverages were prepared, including the use of sugar, syrups, cream, or other additives that could affect health outcomes.
“Could coffee and tea intakes be a marker for something else?” Laird said, suggesting individuals who regularly consume tea and coffee may also engage in healthier behaviors overall, such as exercising more, avoiding sugary drinks, or having greater access to healthcare.
The study additionally warned against excessive consumption. Researchers found that drinking more than nine total beverages daily while replacing water with large amounts of coffee or tea could potentially increase cardiovascular mortality risk.
Health experts have previously linked excessive caffeine intake to elevated blood pressure, rapid heart rate, sleep disruption, and reduced mineral absorption.
The researchers emphasized that water remains essential for nearly every biological process in the body and should continue serving as the foundation of daily hydration.
The study specifically examined black coffee and unsweetened tea rather than heavily sweetened or cream-based beverages, which may reduce or offset potential health benefits.
Researchers also noted that decaffeinated coffee and herbal teas may still provide beneficial polyphenols for individuals seeking to limit caffeine intake.
The findings add to a growing body of research examining how everyday dietary habits, including beverage choices, may influence long-term health outcomes and overall longevity.
Source: Natural News
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