Whether you work from an office or work remotely, chances are that you spend a considerable amount of your time sitting. Then there are the after-work hours spent sitting on your favorite sofa or browsing the internet from your home desk. Once you add up all of those hours, chances are that you will have spent more than six hours per day sitting down. Considering that these extended periods of sitting can affect your health, this is quite a cause for concern. In fact, people who spend more than six hours per day sitting have an increased risk of early death!
How Adding This One Thing to Your Diet Can Help
Fortunately, researchers from Soochow University in China have proven that you can minimize this risk by adding one thing to your diet. Considering the modern work environment, chances are that you already consume it on a daily basis! The researchers found that people who drink coffee are around 1.58 times less likely to die young than those who don’t. These effects were even shown to last up to 13 years!
The Power of Coffee!
That’s correct! Coffee not only keeps you alert at work, but also prevents early death from prolonged periods of sitting! What the study found was that drinking coffee offers protection against a range of illnesses associated with sitting for prolonged periods, such as heart disease and diabetes. It was even found that coffee was more effective at protecting people than exercise was!
Read More: 5 Exercises That Help Relieve Pain From Prolonged Sitting
The Coffee Study
The study looked at the results of 10,639 people and found that sitting for long hours each day increased the risk of death – unless they drank coffee. The best part is that the study found that people didn’t have to drink tons of the stuff for it to be effective. Even a single cup made a difference, although, the most effective amount seems to be two to three cups per day. Previous studies have supported this claim, proving that people with caffeine in their system displayed a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Other Dietary Changes to Incorporate
Sure, coffee can be a powerful addition to your daily routine, however, it’s not the only dietary change that can help prevent an early death. Incorporating a diet rich in fruits, whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats has been proven to promote longevity. Certain foods, such as avocados, nuts, and fatty fish provide essential nutrients and omega-3 fatty acids that are essential for heart health. Furthermore, limiting processed foods, refined sugars, and red meat can significantly reduce inflammation and lower your risk of developing chronic diseases. Drinking plenty of water and minimizing your alcohol intake are also critical steps to ensure your body functions optimally over the years.
Other Benefits of Coffee
Coffee does more than only minimize the risks linked with sitting. It also contains vital antioxidants, which protect your cells and prevent inflammation. According to studies, moderate coffee consumption may reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, and even certain types of cancer. Coffee can also increase mental clarity, cognitive performance, and mood due to its natural caffeine content. It may also aid in controlling your weight by temporarily increasing your metabolism. Some evidence suggests that coffee can improve liver health, lowering the risk of illnesses including cirrhosis and fatty liver disease.
The Bottom Line
Most people cannot avoid sitting for extended periods of time. However, the possible health concerns it poses, such as heart disease, diabetes, and even early mortality, should not be overlooked. Including coffee in your diet is a simple and effective method to mitigate these health risks. However, this does not mean that coffee is a cure-all. Combining coffee drinking with other healthy behaviors, such as standing or moving around throughout the day and eating a well-balanced diet, can provide even more protection against the health risks of a sedentary lifestyle.
Read More: 10 Exercises to Help Strengthen Your Knees