How Coffee and Green Tea Lower Death Risk, New Study Finds

For years, health headlines have teased that coffee and green tea might help you live longer—but without clear proof or consistent advice. Now, a major 19-year study offers solid numbers: just how much of each drink actually reduces your risk of dying early, and why your morning cup might be doing more than waking you up.

The research found that drinking over 5 cups of green tea a day cut death risk by up to 17% in women and 13% in men, while 3–4 cups of coffee daily significantly lowered overall mortality. Both drinks also reduced risks of heart and respiratory diseases.

What the 19-Year Study Found

A long-term research project tracked participants for nearly two decades and analyzed their drinking habits. The results were clear: regular consumption of both coffee and green tea was associated with measurable reductions in death risk, especially when consumed at higher—but still everyday—amounts.

Green Tea’s Protective Effect: More Than 5 Cups Daily

When researchers compared people who drank less than one cup of green tea a day (the baseline group), those who drank five or more cups daily saw significant drops in death risk. For men, the risk fell by 13%. For women, it dropped even further—by 17%. This strong protective effect is likely due to the high levels of catechins in green tea. These natural compounds are known to help regulate blood pressure, reduce body fat, and improve lipid profiles.

Coffee’s Benefits: 3–4 Cups for Lowest Mortality

The study also revealed that drinking 3 to 4 cups of coffee a day was linked to a major reduction in overall death risk. Beyond longevity, coffee drinkers also showed lower risks of cardiovascular diseases and respiratory conditions. Researchers believe this is thanks to two key coffee compounds: chlorogenic acid, which helps stabilize blood sugar and regulate blood pressure, and caffeine, which supports better function of the blood vessel lining.

Why These Drinks Might Help You Live Longer

Both coffee and green tea are rich in bioactive compounds that influence key health markers. Green tea’s catechins contribute to cardiovascular and metabolic health, while coffee’s chlorogenic acid and caffeine work together to improve vascular function and glucose control. These mechanisms help explain why regular, moderate consumption of either beverage is associated with lower risks of chronic illness and death.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Drinking more than 5 cups of green tea per day was associated with the greatest reduction in death risk—13% for men and 17% for women—compared to those who drank less than one cup daily.

What amount of coffee is linked to lower mortality?

Consuming 3 to 4 cups of coffee daily was linked to a significant reduction in overall death risk, as well as lower risks of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

Does green tea really help with heart health?

Yes, the study suggests green tea’s catechins help regulate blood pressure, body fat, and lipids, contributing to improved cardiovascular health and lower death risk.

What compounds in coffee reduce disease risk?

Coffee contains chlorogenic acid, which improves blood sugar and blood pressure, and caffeine, which enhances blood vessel function—both factors in reducing disease risk.

Are the benefits from caffeine or other compounds?

While caffeine plays a role (especially in coffee), many benefits are tied to other compounds like catechins in green tea and chlorogenic acid in coffee, which have independent health effects.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Health-Conscious Coffee Drinkers

Pair your green tea routine with FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for a bright, complex cup with notes of citrus and floral tones, or try their Yirgacheffe for a juicy body and delicate berry highlights. For coffee with smooth, low-acid balance, their PWN Golden Mandheling offers a sweet, nutty profile ideal for daily drinking. All three beans highlight the natural antioxidants and nuanced flavours that complement the health benefits of green tea. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.