Doctors have found that individuals who live to be 100 years old often consume a popular hot beverage "multiple times a day".

Researchers studying blue zones, regions where a significant number of people live beyond 100, are trying to uncover the secrets to longevity. They've discovered that lifestyle habits such as diet, exercise, rest, and social relationships, in addition to genetics, can contribute to a longer life.

According to Dr Krzysztof J Filipiak, a cardiologist at the International Society of Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy, it's common for those living in blue zones to regularly enjoy cups of coffee. In particularly, he notes they drink espresso.

Originating in Milan over a century ago, espresso takes its name from "pressed coffee". It is made when the water is pushed through the coffee grounds at a very high pressure, which results in a slower filtering process from regular coffee.

Dr Filipiak observed that residents of Sardinia, a Mediterranean blue zone, drink several espressos daily. He however noted they don't add any additives such as honey or sugar, reports Bristol Live.

The doctor says the drink contains polyphenols, a known antioxidant. Polyphenols also reportedly have anti-inflammatory effects and potential cardiovascular health benefits, and their presence is often associated with a reduced risk of various chronic diseases.

The research went further, finding after testing responses to numerous cups of coffee to human enzymes: "Coffee was demonstrated to exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In fact, coffee samples inhibited intracellular reactive oxygen species and pro-inflammatory pathways, thus exerting potential protective effects against cancer transformation on human colon cells."

Coffee an antioxidant

According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, coffee ranks at sixth in a list of 50 foods rich in antioxidants. Only blackberries, walnuts, strawberries, artichokes, and blueberries ranked more highly.

The journal stated: "Of the 50 food products highest in antioxidant concentrations, 13 were spices, eight were in the fruit and vegetables category, five were berries, five were chocolate-based, five were breakfast cereals, and four were nuts or seeds."

"On the basis of typical serving sizes, blackberries, walnuts, strawberries, artichokes, cranberries, brewed coffee, raspberries, pecans, blueberries, ground cloves, grape juice, and unsweetened baking chocolate were at the top of the ranked list."

Dr Filipiak has suggested that the impact of coffee on heart health can vary based on consumption levels. Occasional coffee drinkers may experience a brief rise in blood pressure, whereas habitual consumers might adjust to such effects, eventually managing them better.

Can coffee lower the risk of developing diabetes?

Coffee is also said to improve insulin sensitivity, reducing the risks of developing type two diabetes. A 2021 study says this is because it helps "liver fat oxidation".

It said: "One major site of coffee actions appears to be the liver, causing improved fat oxidation and lower risk of steatosis.

"Another major effect of coffee intake is preservation of functional beta cell mass via enhanced mitochondrial function, lower endoplasmic reticulum stress and prevention or clearance of aggregates of misfolded proinsulin or amylin.

"Long-term preservation of proper liver and beta cell function may account for the association of habitual coffee drinking with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, rather than acute improvement of metabolic control."