People who sit for over six hours daily have been advised to add a specific dietary element to reduce their risk of death.
Adding this one thing to your diet might offer you protection from the negative health impacts of sitting for a long time every day. Credit: Visualspace / Getty
In an era where sedentary lifestyles are increasingly common, a groundbreaking study from Soochow University in China has revealed a surprisingly simple, and for many, enjoyable, way to potentially reduce the risk of death.
According to Gloucestershire Live the research, published in BMC Public Health, suggests that a daily dose of coffee could offer more protection against the ill effects of prolonged sitting than even exercise.
The study found that those who sat for hours a day faced an increased risk of death from all causes if they did not drink coffee. Credit: Stefania Pelfini, La Waziya Photography / Getty
For anyone spending over six hours a day parked in a chair, this news comes as a significant finding.
The study, the first of its kind, analyzed long-term data from over 10,000 individuals in the USA.
Its startling conclusion was that people who sit for long periods and drink coffee are 1.58 times less likely to die of any cause than those who don’t drink coffee, with the effect lasting for up to 13 years.
The findings highlight the beverage’s potential to counteract the negative health impacts associated with inactivity, including serious conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
Remarkably, the study discovered that those who drank coffee had better protection than those who exercised.
The incredible analysis also suggests that any amount of coffee appears to reduce the risk, with two to three cups a day proving to be the most effective quantity.
These findings align with earlier research that has hinted at caffeine’s role in reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes or heart disease, Wales online reported.
Coffee is rich in antioxidants, which are known to reduce inflammation, and other compounds within the drink have been linked to a lower risk of diseases like Parkinson’s. Additionally, a separate study has even connected coffee consumption to a lower risk of recurring bowel cancer.
While the exact mechanisms behind coffee’s protective effects against the risks of a sedentary lifestyle require further investigation, researchers emphasize the need for additional research to fully understand the connection.
Nevertheless, for those who find themselves glued to their seats for extended periods, a cup of coffee just might be the simple solution to a healthier, longer life.