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The pursuit of longevity has long been on
people's minds, prompting an abundance of research on the effects of food and
diet on the human lifespan. According to recent research from the UC Irvine
Institute, drinking coffee and wine could help you live longer.
The 90+ Study evaluated more
than 1,600 people over the age of 90 for their lifestyle habits and other
qualities that might have contributed to their longevity.
Participants were visited every
six months, when they were given various tests. Researchers also collected
information about the participants' diets, lifestyles, and medical histories.
They found out that two of the
habits that helped preserve lives the most are drinking alcohol and coffee.
"I have no explanation for it," admitted Dr Claudia Kawas, "but
I do firmly believe that moderate (适度的) drinking improves
longevity." So should we all be drinking more coffee and wine? While that
would be great news, the research may not be as definitive as it seems.
"Most studies about
alcohol consumption, including The 90+ Study, are observational, so we can only
say that something about drinking is associated with health and
longevity," registered dietitian Jennifer Markowitz told The Daily Meal.
"I'd be curious to see if
the coffee and alcohol drinkers shared other important habits or lifestyle
factors that might also play into their longevity."
In other words, it might not be
the wine and coffee that's helping people live longer, but the two substances
do have some considerable health benefits. "Wine and coffee are packed
with antioxidants(抗氧化剂) which are known to protect our bodies from damage
caused by free radicals," explained registered dietitian Keri Gans to The
Daily Meal. "Research on antioxidants has shown several heath benefits,
including the possibility they may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, improve
cognitive function, decrease the risk of dementia, and lower the risk of heart
disease."
Moderate drinking can be
beneficial according to other studies—so long as it's moderate.