Green Tea and Coffee Linked to Lower Death Risk

If you’ve ever wondered whether your daily coffee or green tea habit is doing more than just waking you up, a major 19-year Japanese study offers some concrete answers. Researchers tracked nearly 90,000 adults for nearly two decades and found clear links between regular consumption of both beverages and a lower risk of dying—especially from heart-related causes.

The bottom line? Drinking five or more cups of green tea a day can cut your overall death risk by up to 17% for women and 13% for men. Meanwhile, three to four cups of coffee daily is associated with the lowest death risk overall—a 24% reduction compared to non-drinkers.

How the Study Worked

Conducted by Japan’s National Cancer Center, the research followed around 90,000 men and women aged 40 to 69 over a period of approximately 19 years, ending in 2011. During that time, 12,874 participants passed away. Researchers divided subjects into groups based on how much green tea and coffee they consumed, then analyzed the links between those habits and overall mortality, as well as deaths specifically from cancer, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory conditions.

Green Tea’s Protective Effect

When compared to those who drank less than one cup of green tea per day (the baseline group), participants who drank five or more cups daily saw significant reductions in death risk. Men in this high-consumption group had a 13% lower risk of death, while women had a 17% lower risk. The protective effect increased steadily with higher green tea intake.

Researchers believe the key factor may be catechins—particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)—a type of antioxidant abundant in green tea. These compounds are thought to help regulate blood pressure, reduce body fat, and improve lipid profiles, all of which contribute to better cardiovascular health.

Coffee’s Surprising Benefits

The study also grouped coffee drinkers into five categories, ranging from “almost none” to “five or more cups per day.” Compared to non-coffee drinkers, those who consumed three to four cups daily had the lowest overall risk of death—a 24% reduction.

Beyond general mortality, coffee drinking was also associated with a lower risk of death from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The benefits peaked at three to four cups; drinking more did not further lower risk, but nor did it increase it significantly in this study.

Scientists hypothesize that chlorogenic acids in coffee help stabilize blood sugar and regulate blood pressure, while caffeine improves vascular endothelial function—key factors in reducing heart and vessel-related mortality.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cups of green tea reduce death risk the most?

Drinking five or more cups of green tea per day was associated with the greatest reduction in death risk—13% lower for men and 17% lower for women, compared to those who drank less than one cup daily.

What’s the optimal number of coffee cups for lower mortality?

The study found that consuming three to four cups of coffee per day was linked to the lowest risk of death overall—a 24% reduction compared to people who almost never drank coffee.

Does green tea protect against heart disease?

Yes. The study suggests that regular green tea intake is linked to a reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease, likely due to antioxidant compounds like catechins that help manage blood pressure and fat levels.

Can coffee really help you live longer?

According to this long-term Japanese study, yes—particularly if you drink three to four cups a day. Coffee drinkers in that range had a 24% lower overall death risk, possibly due to beneficial compounds like chlorogenic acid and caffeine.

Why might green tea and coffee both lower death risk?

Both beverages contain bioactive compounds—green tea has catechins, while coffee provides chlorogenic acids and caffeine—that may improve metabolic and vascular health, leading to lower risks of heart disease, cancer, and respiratory illness.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffees for Health-Conscious Sippers

Pair your green tea or coffee routine with FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera, a bright Ethiopian single origin with notes of lemon, bergamot, and white flower—perfect for those seeking antioxidants and a light body. For coffee drinkers, try their Classic Blend: a balanced medium roast with caramel, almond, and mild acidity, ideal for regular consumption. Both beans highlight the natural benefits of carefully sourced coffees. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.