Coffee (Even With Sugar) Is Linked To Longevity Benefits 

For this study, researchers specifically wanted to see if unsweetened coffee, coffee with sugar, or coffee with artificial sweeteners, had any different effects on health outcomes.

Pooling from data in the U.K. Biobank study health behavior questionnaire, a team of researchers out of China looked at the coffee habits—and health outcomes—of over 171,000 U.K. residents. And what they found is notable for anyone who swears by their coffee consumption.

Namely, adults who drank "moderate" amounts of coffee (1.5 to 3.5 cups a day), either unsweetened or with sugar, were more likely to enjoy improved longevity and longer life spans in that seven-year follow-up period. (There's a reason longevity experts swear by the antioxidant-rich brew.)

However, it's important to note that the participants who liked sugar in their coffee were averaging about 1 teaspoon per cup—which is a lot less than what you'll find in sweet specialty coffee drinks from your local shop. And artificial sweeteners aren't the best choice, the study authors note. It's best to go the natural route sweetening your coffee.

You can also choose to forgo sugar and incorporate more functional health ingredients like collagen or even grass-fed whey protein isolate (anyone heart of proffee?) into their daily coffee ritual.*

As the authors explain, there are a lot of factors at play in a study like this that make it difficult to directly link coffee and health outcomes, such as socioeconomic status and other lifestyle factors. Nevertheless, it would appear coffee drinkers don't need to skip out on their morning ritual, and those who like a little sweetness in their cup can keep on adding it. But of course, everything is best in moderation!