Sugaring up your morning cup of joe may not be the healthiest choice; however, coffee consumption has been associated with lower risks of mortality regardless of if or when sugar is added. According to a new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine, people who drink 1.5 to 3.5 cups of caffeinated coffee daily have about 30% less risk of dying within seven years than non-coffee drinkers. Study participants ranged in age from 37-73 and were regularly polled about their health information and coffee drinking habits every four years. Over its duration, 3,177 deaths were recorded, and researchers examined whether there were any associations between unsweetened coffee, sugar-sweetened coffee and artificially sweetened coffee and all-cause or cause-specific mortality rates.

Researchers found those who did not consume coffee had the highest mortality rates, followed by those who consumed unsweetened or sweetened coffee without added sugar/artificial sweeteners, then sweetened coffee without added sugar/artificial sweeteners, then coffee without added sugar/artificial sweeteners. Their findings took into account many lifestyle, diet and clinical conditions variables – no matter if one added extra sugar, decaffeinated or caffeinated beverages or brand were consumed.

One factor that may explain these results could be coffee’s presence of chlorogenic acids – antioxidants believed to protect against Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases as well as promote heart and liver health.

Although this study did not examine whether participants added cream or sugar to their coffee, previous research has demonstrated that those who refrain from adding such sweeteners have lower risks of type 2 diabetes than those who do – likely due to how sugar interferes with insulin sensitivity, which allows the body to use glucose for energy.

If you are diabetic or pre-diabetic, it is wise to drink unsweetened coffee or use low calorie creamers with no added sugar as this may quickly increase blood glucose levels and contribute to complications of your condition such as high blood pressure or eye issues.

If you like adding a sweet touch to your coffee, consider using stevia as a natural sweetener. Just be mindful that too much stevia may cause digestive discomfort so only use small amounts. If caffeine sensitivity is an issue for you, be mindful when drinking coffee as too much caffeine may lead to headaches, insomnia and digestive discomfort. Before making changes in diet or exercise regimen, always consult your physician first. Also avoid sugary sodas and fruit juices which have the same impact on blood glucose levels which increases risk for diabetes as sugary coffee does – both can increase risk for diabetes as well as weight gain risks associated with weight gain risks associated with blood glucose levels; avoid sugary sodas and fruit juices which have similar impacts on blood glucose levels causing risks as sugary coffee thus increasing risks related to diabetes as well as weight gain risks as well as risk increases risk associated with weight gain risk due to effects similar to sugary coffee which increases risks.