Coffee's unexpected benefit: Reducing health risks of sitting

It’s long been known that a sedentary lifestyle is unhealthy. Sitting for hours at a desk, in a car, or front of the TV leads to many ailments. Scientists have found that people who sit a lot but drink coffee are less likely to fall ill.

According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, lack of physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle increase the risk of certain cancers, such as colorectal, breast, endometrial, and esophageal cancer. In addition, people who sit for more extended periods can develop type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease. This increased risk is independent of genetic predispositions, overweight, or obesity.

Scientists have also noticed that sitting for 10 hours a day leads to a higher development of dementia. Short breaks for physical activity, such as 3 minutes every half hour, can counteract the adverse effects of prolonged sitting. However, scientists from Soochow University in China decided to check whether there is an even more straightforward way to mitigate these effects. They discovered that drinking coffee has positive effects.

"The Washington Post" spoke with Huimin Zhou, the study's author. The scientist pointed out that people who sit a lot but drink coffee have nearly a quarter lower risk of death compared to people with similar sedentary lifestyles who do not consume coffee. The research was conducted among residents of the United States.

The study published in the journal "BMC Public Health" showed that people who spend over six hours a day sitting and do not drink coffee are 58% more at risk of death from any cause compared to people who drink coffee and sit for less than six hours a day.

Of course, coffee consumption should have its limits. Drinking up to four cups of the black beverage reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and heart disease. Statistically, coffee drinkers can extend their lives by up to one-third compared to non-coffee drinkers.

Although coffee is the subject of ongoing research, its exact mechanism of action remains a mystery. It contains many active substances that interact with each other, making it difficult to pinpoint which component is responsible for its potential protective effects.

Scientists often point to the antioxidants in coffee, which can neutralize harmful free radicals responsible for cell damage, accelerated aging, and disease development.

Of course, drinking coffee alone is not enough to positively affect your body. It is worth remembering to engage in regular physical activity and take breaks during sedentary work. Walking, stretching, and physical exercises help maintain good fitness and contribute to better health.