People try all things complicated to stay healthy, but often overlook on one simple and essential healthy habit – staying well hydrated.
It’s simply one of the best and simplest things that one can do for the overall well-being. Hydration supports many body functions, boosts physical performance, and helps prevent problems like headaches and constipation. While drinking water is key, other drinks and foods also add to your daily fluid intake.
Study Finds Drinking 7-8 Cups of Coffee, Tea, and Water May Boost Longevity
As per a recent study, drinking combination of healthy amounts of coffee, tea and water might actually increase longevity.
The British Journal of Nutrition study found that the people who drank around 7 to 8 cups per day of coffee, tea and water combined has the lower risk of dying, from any cause.
Data from as many as 1,80,000 adults in the UK for about 13 years was studied by researchers, examining whether the amount as well as type of drinks people had each day affected their risk of dying from major causes like heart disease, cancer, or breathing problems. As per the results, the data revealed that as compared to those who had less than 4 drinks (counting coffee, tea and water together) per day, those who were having 7-8 drinks per day were at the lowest risk. These risks included cancer, cardiovascular diseases, digestive conditions and respiratory disorders.
The Optimal Mix for Health: Coffee and Tea in Moderation
Alongwith water, the study revealed that the best mix of drinks was about 2 parts coffee to 3 parts tea (2:3 ratio). Those who drank this mix, had the lowest chance of dying from various diseases.
On the flipside, drinking more is not elixir and makes one immortal, as drinking anywhere over 9 drinks a day could actually increase the risk of heart problems.
Hence, the sweet spot is around 7-8 cups daily. In addition to this, for people drinking fewer than 4 drinks per day, replacing water with tea or coffee did not show a clear advantage because, at very low total fluid intake, the negative effects of dehydration or caffeine may offset benefits.
Coffee and tea are world’s most popular beverages and when consumed in moderation are actually healthy. The primary ingredient in coffee, “caffeine” actually helps in the improving focus, attention span, mental performance etc.
On the other hands, tea has relatively less caffeine but is rich in polyphenols, particularly catechins like EGCG, a powerful compound that reduces inflammation and prevents certain chronic diseases.
Coffee is rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress, and both tea and coffee are linked to a lower risk of Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. However, to reap their benefits, it’s important to consume them correctly.
