“Coffee extends lifespan”

## The Evidence A 2014 meta-analysis by Crippa et al. (*European Journal of Epidemiology*, 2014) pooled 20 prospective studies (973,904 participants) and found coffee consumption dose-dependently associated with lower all-cause mortality risk, with a nadir around 3–4 cups/day (RR: 0.87, 13% lower all-cause mortality). Specific benefits reported: 19% lower cardiovascular mortality, 18% lower cancer mortality, significantly reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, liver disease, and depression. The EPIC cohort study (Gunter et al., *Annals of Internal Medicine*, 2017) spanning 10 European countries (n=521,330) confirmed these findings across diverse populations and dietary patterns. ## Mechanisms (Multiple Plausible Pathways) Coffee contains 1,000+ bioactive compounds: chlorogenic acids (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory), diterpenes (liver protective), trigonelline (neuroprotective), and of course caffeine. It reduces insulin resistance, activates AMPK (a longevity pathway), and reduces liver fat accumulation. ## Caveats Unfiltered coffee (French press, espresso) raises LDL cholesterol via diterpenes. Filter coffee does not. Excessive consumption (>6 cups/day) may increase cardiovascular risk. Caffeine during pregnancy is associated with fetal risk. Individual variation in caffeine metabolism (CYP1A2 gene) affects tolerance.