DUBAI: Coffee drinkers who consume four cups a day could be fending off an early death, a major study has revealed.
Researchers tracked nearly 20,000 men and women for up to 14 years and found that the mortality rate of those who drank coffee regularly was almost two thirds lower, British daily, The Telegraph has reported.
It is already documented that drinking coffee can improve liver function, reduce inflammation and help the immune system.
According to the report, each extra two cups was associated with a 22 percent drop in mortality. That figure rose to 30 percent for older case studies.
Those who drank four cups a day experienced a 64 percent lower death risk than those who never or rarely drank coffee.
While the research was observational, and therefore cannot prove coffee’s link to improved mortality, it does share some findings from previous research in the US that held the figure at three cups of coffee a day.
It is thought coffee is beneficial to one’s life expectancy because of the various compounds it contains that work well with the body, including caffeine and antioxidants.
But even decaffeinated coffee was found to have similar benefits – suggesting that the most beneficial contents were the antioxidant plant compounds.
Lead author Dr. Adela Navarro said: “I would advise drink plenty of coffee, it could be good for your heart. I think it’s a good idea to have about four cups a day… I think it’s the polyphenols, they have an anti-inflammatory effect.”
The study, which was carried out in Spain, looked at people aged 25 to 60-years-old.
Meanwhile Professor Metin Avkiran, Associate Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation, warned: “This study suggests there may be an association between drinking coffee and living longer, but it doesn’t prove a causal link or explain how coffee might be having this effect… Coffee drinkers should certainly not rest on their laurels.
“The best way to minimize your risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death is to concentrate on an overall healthy lifestyle – eat a balanced diet, stay active and don’t smoke – rather than lining up the lattes.”
Four cups of coffee linked to increased life expectancy, research claims
Four cups of coffee linked to increased life expectancy, research claims
Where We Are Going Today: Agio in Riyadh
RIYADH: If you are looking for high-end Italian food in Riyadh with an ambience as great as the menu, Agio is the place to go. Tucked into The Canopy in central Riyadh in the Hittin neighborhood, Agio is a great location for those looking for Italian that is farther away from heavy traffic on the weekends.
The restaurant draws inspiration from the Amalfi Coast of Italy, with the flavors, colors and aroma of Capri making its way into the Agio experience. Agio describes itself as “the celebration of food of the Capri coast” as its menu blends traditional dishes with new flavors and innovative twists.
When entering, you can choose to either sit on the upstairs outdoor terrace or at the indoor tables downstairs. If you are going when the weather is pleasant, I would certainly recommend sitting upstairs, as the scenery, view and decor is unbeatable.
For the menu, I would opt for appetizers like the bresaola, which costs SR112 ($30) — it is a great starter for a classic Italian dinner as it blends flavors of Spanish beef with parmesan. If you are looking for a carb and creamy starter instead, Agio’s sformato di patate is a delicious option.
Priced at SR38, the appetizer brings together baked potatoes with a warm creamy cheese sauce. The menu offers other appetizers with many including soup, calamari and salad.
Their baby calamari (SR132) and Flamengo tomato soup (SR45) are both worth trying if you are looking for more appetizers for the table.
Moving onto mains, the pasta and ravioli menus are excitingly diverse. With a vast array of options to choose from, I would order multiple options to share for the table as you do not want to limit yourself to one dish.
A favorite of mine would be the rigatoni piccanti (SR95), which blends creamy pink sauce with spicy aromas from the chili sauce. For truffle lovers, Agio offers both a ravioli and risotto option. Risotto al tartufo (SR275) is a classic creamy risotto shaved black truffle. For those who favor a good ravioli, the truffle & pecorino ravioli (SR115) is a creamier option due to the soft ricotta filling.
Agio offers a vast menu for mains which ranges from the pastas listed above to many more, as well pizza, meat, fish and chicken selections. The veal Milanese (SR210) and branzino di sofia (SR185) are great protein-based dishes to pair alongside your selected pastas and pizzas.
Be sure to save some space for dessert because Agio’s dessert menu truly brings a taste of Capri to the table.
If you are looking to dive into the zesty lemon flavors of the Amalfi Coast, I recommend either the torta della nonna (SR70) or the limoncello tiramisu (SR105). The torta della nonna is a nutty and lemony pastry dessert option, whereas the limoncello tiramisu is a soft mascarpone cream dish. For those looking to try more traditional dessert options, I would opt for the classic tiramisu.
While Agio is a delicious option for anyone looking to try a Capri-style restaurant in Riyadh, the restaurant is certainly on the higher-end price wise; but if you are willing to spend a little extra, Agio’s menu is worth the visit.
