How Many Cups of Coffee and Green Tea Lower Death Risk

You’ve heard coffee and green tea are good for you—but how much is enough to actually lower your risk of dying early from serious illness? A major Japanese study tracked tens of thousands of people for nearly two decades to find real numbers behind the headlines.

Drinking 3–4 cups of coffee per day was linked to the biggest drop in death risk—24% lower compared to those who barely drank coffee. For green tea, having more than 5 cups daily reduced risk by up to 17%, with women seeing the greatest benefit.

What the 19-Year Japanese Study Found

Researchers from Japan’s National Cancer Center followed participants for 19 years, sorting them into five groups based on how much coffee they drank—from none at all to over 5 cups daily. The group drinking 3–4 cups of coffee each day had the sharpest reduction in overall death risk: 24% lower than those who drank almost no coffee. The same study also found that higher coffee intake was associated with reduced risks of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

Green Tea’s Protective Effect by Cup Count

When it came to green tea, the baseline was set at less than one cup per day. Participants who drank more than 5 cups of green tea daily saw significant benefits: men had a 13% lower death risk, while women had a 17% reduction. The risk kept dropping as green tea consumption increased. Long-term green tea drinkers also showed lower chances of cerebrovascular and respiratory diseases.

Why Green Tea May Protect Against Heart Disease

Researchers believe the protective effect of green tea against heart-related death may come from its high levels of catechins—powerful antioxidants. These compounds are thought to help regulate blood pressure, reduce body fat, and improve lipid profiles, all of which contribute to better long-term health outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cups of coffee a day reduce the risk of death the most?

Drinking 3–4 cups of coffee per day was associated with the greatest reduction in death risk—24% lower compared to those who drank almost no coffee, according to a 19-year Japanese study.

Does drinking more than 5 cups of green tea lower death risk?

Yes. People who drank more than 5 cups of green tea daily had lower death risks: 13% lower for men and 17% lower for women. Risk decreased further with increased intake.

Why does green tea seem to protect against cardiovascular disease?

Green tea is rich in catechins, antioxidants that may help improve blood pressure, reduce body fat, and lower lipid levels—all factors linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.

Which serious diseases did the study link to coffee and tea intake?

The study found reduced risks of death from cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, and cerebrovascular conditions (like stroke) with higher intake of coffee and green tea.

Is there a difference in benefits between men and women for green tea?

Yes. Women who drank more than 5 cups of green tea daily saw a 17% reduction in death risk, slightly higher than the 13% reduction observed in men.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Daily Brewing

For a daily coffee routine aligned with longevity goals, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for its bright citrus and floral notes, or Yirgacheffe for a juicy, berry-forward cup. Both are light-roasted single origins that highlight natural antioxidants and pair well with green tea. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.