People who regularly consumed the beverage faced a lower risk of dying from cancer, heart disease and stroke. The findings came from the world’s largest study into coffee’s impact on health, involving more than 500,000 people in 10 European countries including Britain. Scientists said the results indicated that moderate coffee intake was safe and enjoying an espresso, cappuccino or latte could offer health protection. Dr Marc Gunter, of the International Agency for Research on Cancer, said: “We found that higher coffee consumption was associated with a lower risk of death from any cause, and specifically for circulatory diseases, and digestive diseases.

GETTY People who regularly consume coffee could face a lower risk of cancer and heart disease

“Importantly, these results were similar across all 10 European countries, with variable coffee drinking habits and customs. "Our study also offers important insights into the possible mechanisms for the beneficial health effects of coffee. “We are not at the stage of recommending people to drink more or less coffee. "That said, our results suggest moderate coffee drinking – up to around three cups per day – is not detrimental to your health, and that incorporating coffee into your diet could have health benefits.”

GETTY Drinking three cups of coffee a day could lead to a longer and healthier life, a study claims

We found that higher coffee consumption was associated with a lower risk of death from any cause, and specifically for circulatory diseases, and digestive diseases. Dr Marc Gunter

Researchers from the International Agency for Research on Cancer and Imperial College, London, found similar associations between coffee and lower risk of death across Europe, despite consumption and preparation methods varying. Using information from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition they analysed data from 521,330 people over the age of 35. The highest level of coffee consumption by volume was seen in Denmark at 900ml a day and the lowest in Italy at 92ml a day. After 16 years almost 42,000 people had died from a range of conditions including cancer, circulatory diseases, heart failure and stroke. Compared with non-coffee drinkers, men who drank three or more cups had an 18 per cent reduced risk of death. Women who drank the same had a 7 per cent reduced risk.

GETTY Higher coffee consumption was associated with a lower risk of death from any cause, a study claimed

Coffee drinkers may have healthier livers and better glucose control than non-coffee drinkers, say the researchers. Decaffeinated coffee was found to have a similar effect. The researchers said they made a “statistically significant” observation between those who consumed the most coffee and lower risk of death, compared to non-drinkers. Professor Elio Riboli, of the school of public health at Imperial College, said: “These findings add to a growing body of evidence which indicates that drinking coffee not only is safe, but it may actually have a protective health effect for people. “While further research is needed, we can be confident the results from a large European study confirm previous findings seen around the world.”

GETTY Coffee drinkers could have better glucose control than non-coffee drinkers, the research claimed

Coffee contains a number of compounds which possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic properties that scientists believe may explain why drinkers have lower rates of chronic liver disease and liver cancer. The findings, published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, chime with research in the US and Japan giving credence to the theory that coffee has health benefits that are seen globally. Prof Peter Hayes, part of the University of Edinburgh team, said: “We have shown coffee reduces cirrhosis and also liver cancer in a dose-dependent manner. “Our research adds to the evidence that, in moderation, coffee can be a wonderful natural medicine.” Sarah Toule, of World Cancer Research Fund, said: “Our own evidence found that coffee can help decrease the risk of liver cancer.

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