Author: BalanceGenics Longevity Research Team (How100.com)
The Role of Coffee in Longevity
The relationship between coffee and longevity is a subject of considerable debate among experts. Some, like Dr. Rhonda Patrick, a cell biologist, argue that drinking coffee in the morning can be beneficial for intermittent fasting. However, she also points out that we lack definitive research indicating whether the benefits of intermittent fasting would be greater without coffee. On the other hand, Dr. Peter Attia, a medical doctor, considers his morning cup of coffee indispensable for starting his day.
Research generally supports the notion that moderate coffee consumption can confer several health benefits. Johns Hopkins University notes that moderate coffee intake may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, dementia, and overall mortality. A 2018 study involving 500,000 participants found that those who drank several cups of coffee—whether caffeinated or decaffeinated—daily had significantly lower mortality risks.
Here are some insights from renowned longevity experts on their coffee preferences.
Dr. Peter Attia: French Press Coffee
Dr. Peter Attia, a leading longevity physician and author of "Outlive," has explored various treatments, including intermittent fasting and heat therapy. However, one thing he remains steadfast about is his daily French press coffee. Studies suggest that coffee compounds such as cafestol and kahweol, which are present in unfiltered coffee like French press and espresso, may offer neuroprotective benefits against diseases like dementia and Parkinson’s. "Animal studies comparing coffee and caffeine indicate that caffeine alone cannot replicate all the neurological benefits of the whole drink," Attia writes on his blog. "Many of these compounds have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifibrotic, and antimicrobial properties that may contribute to enhanced neurocognitive function."
French press coffee is celebrated for its ability to extract rich flavors from coffee beans, making it a favorite among coffee aficionados.
Dr. David Sinclair: Unsweetened Coffee
Biologist and "Lifespan" podcast host Dr. David Sinclair prefers starting his day with a cup of unsweetened black coffee, even though he is a devoted fan of matcha green tea. While he avoids adding sweeteners, he includes a touch of milk in his coffee. Some studies suggest that milk's amino acids can increase the bioavailability of coffee polyphenols, enhancing its anti-inflammatory properties. However, it's worth noting that adding milk to tea may negate some of its benefits.
Dr. Mark Hyman: Dalgona Coffee
Dr. Mark Hyman, a prominent longevity physician, enjoys a frothy Dalgona coffee each morning. He uses Four Sigmatic's lion’s mane mushroom instant coffee, which combines coffee with the cognitive-boosting properties of lion’s mane mushrooms. "I love the sustained energy and improved focus and calmness I get from combining coffee with lion’s mane," Dr. Hyman writes on his blog. "It avoids the jitters and crashes associated with typical caffeine consumption."
Dr. Hyman's Dalgona Coffee Recipe:
- 2 packets of Four Sigmatic lion's mane coffee
- 1 tablespoon monk fruit sweetener
- 1 tablespoon hot or cold water
- 6 to 8 ounces of non-dairy milk
Mix the coffee, sweetener, and water until frothy. Pour the milk into a glass and top with the frothy mixture. Stir and enjoy. Dr. Hyman likely avoids using regular milk due to its potential to cause inflammation and intolerance in many people.
Dave Asprey: Danger Coffee
Biohacker Dave Asprey, known as the "father of biohacking," launched his own toxin-free coffee brand, Danger Coffee, in 2022. These beans are lab-tested to be free of mold and contain added electrolytes to promote healthy cellular function. Asprey takes his preferred medium roast coffee to the next level by brewing it with filtered water to remove potential toxins further.
Dan Buettner: Ikarian Coffee
Renowned for his work on Blue Zones, Dan Buettner prefers starting his day with Ikarian coffee, a brew that hails from the Mediterranean island of Ikaria, known for its high concentration of centenarians. Often referred to as Turkish or Greek coffee, Ikarian coffee is boiled rather than brewed and filtered. "The fine grind offers more concentrated antioxidants, a key health benefit," Buettner told Well+Good. "Boiling the coffee extracts more beneficial compounds, and the resultant brew has less caffeine than typical American coffee."
Conclusion
While the type of coffee varies, these longevity experts agree on one thing: coffee can be part of a healthy lifestyle when consumed in moderation. Whether through the richness of French press, the simplicity of unsweetened black coffee, the cognitive boost from mushroom coffee, or the antioxidant power of Ikarian coffee, there's a blend that suits everyone's needs.
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Related Academic Papers and Articles:
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"The Health Impacts of Coffee Consumption" by Freedman, N. D., et al. (2012).
- Explores the relationship between coffee intake and reduced risks of chronic diseases.
- Link to the paper
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"Coffee Consumption and Health: A Review of Recent Research" by van Dam, R. M., et al. (2020).
- Reviews recent studies on coffee's health benefits.
- Link to the paper
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"Interactions Between Tea and Milk Proteins: Effects on Antioxidant Properties" by Ryan, L., et al. (2010).
- Discusses how adding milk to tea impacts its health benefits.
- Link to the paper
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"Health Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom" by Friedman, M. (2015).
- Examines the cognitive and neurological benefits of lion’s mane mushrooms.
- Link to the paper
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"Traditional Mediterranean Methods of Coffee Preparation: Effects on Health" by Papakonstantinou, E., et al. (2005).
- Analyzes how traditional coffee preparation methods impact health benefits.
- Link to the paper
Incorporating these insights into your daily coffee habits can contribute to better long-term health and potentially a longer life.
