Fact Check: WHO officially declares coffee a superfood proven to extend life expectancy by 10 years

Fact-Check: "WHO officially declares coffee a superfood proven to extend life expectancy by 10 years"

What We Know

The claim that the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared coffee a superfood that extends life expectancy by 10 years is false. While there is evidence suggesting that coffee consumption is associated with a lower risk of mortality, the specific assertion regarding a 10-year increase in life expectancy and an official declaration by WHO is not supported by credible sources.

1. A study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that drinking coffee was linked to a lower risk of all-cause mortality, particularly when consumed black or with minimal additives. The study indicated that drinking 1-2 cups of coffee daily was associated with a 14% lower risk of death compared to non-drinkers, but it did not quantify this as a 10-year increase in life expectancy (Tufts University).

2. Another large study from Harvard analyzed data from approximately half a million Britons and reported that drinking up to eight cups of coffee per day was associated with a 14% lower risk of early death compared to non-drinkers (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health). However, this study also did not claim a specific increase in life expectancy.

3. Additional studies have indicated that moderate coffee consumption may have health benefits, including a potential link to a longer life, but again, none of these studies have provided evidence for a definitive increase of 10 years in life expectancy (New York Times, CNN).

Analysis

The claim lacks support from reputable scientific studies and organizations. The studies referenced in the sources do suggest a correlation between coffee consumption and reduced mortality risk, but they do not provide a direct causal relationship or quantify the benefits in terms of years added to life expectancy.

• The Tufts University study highlights that while coffee consumption can lower mortality risk, the benefits diminish with the addition of sugar and saturated fats. This nuance indicates that the health benefits of coffee are not straightforward and depend on consumption patterns.

• The Harvard study and other reports emphasize the association between coffee and lower mortality rates but refrain from making definitive claims about life expectancy. The studies are observational in nature, which means they can show correlation but not causation.

• Furthermore, the WHO has not made any official declaration regarding coffee as a superfood or linked it to a specific increase in life expectancy. The term "superfood" itself is not a scientifically defined category and is often used in marketing rather than in scientific literature.

The sources used in this analysis are credible, including studies published in peer-reviewed journals and reports from established health organizations. However, the interpretation of their findings should be approached with caution, especially when claims about specific life expectancy increases are made.

Conclusion

The claim that WHO has officially declared coffee a superfood that extends life expectancy by 10 years is false. While there is evidence suggesting that coffee consumption may lower the risk of early death, there is no scientific backing for the specific assertion of a 10-year increase in life expectancy, nor has WHO made such a declaration. The relationship between coffee consumption and health outcomes is complex and influenced by various factors, including the type of coffee consumed and dietary habits.

Sources

1. Caffeinated or not, coffee linked with longer life
2. Black coffee, longer life: The science behind your morning perk
3. That Cup of Coffee May Have a Longer-Term Perk
4. Study Says Drinking Coffee Makes You Live Longer. But There's ...
5. Your coffee habit could be linked to healthier aging, study ...
6. Drinking Coffee Every Day Could Add Up to 2 Years to Your Life