Our Greek coffee is the subject of discussion for longevity

Coffee is one of the most commonly consumed beverages, and several studies have evaluated the relationship between chronic or acute coffee consumption and cardiovascular risk. Recent studies show a small reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease mortality with moderate coffee consumption. However, the association of coffee consumption with cardiovascular disease remains controversial.

A new study by Greek scientists examined the relationship between chronic coffee consumption and longevity in elderly residents of the island of Ikaria.

The people of Ikaria are reputed to have one of the highest longevity rates. In Europe only 0.1% of the population lives over 90 years, while in Ikaria the corresponding percentage is about 1%. The Ikarians are famous for not only living long, but also in good health.

The analysis was done in 142 elderly people >65 years old (71 men and 71 women). The great majority (87%) drank the traditional brewed Greek coffee daily.
Chronic coffee consumption was shown to be associated with improved endothelial function in elderly patients, providing a new link between diet and vascular health.

"Broken Greek coffee, which is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants and contains only a moderate amount of caffeine, appears to provide more benefits than other types of coffee," according to Gerasimos Siassos.

It is important because of the widespread use of coffee around the world that even small health effects could have a large impact on public health. Therefore, further studies are needed to establish the exact beneficial mechanism of coffee in vascular health.

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Consumption of a boiled Greek type of coffee is associated with improved endothelial function: The Ikaria Study,  Vasc Med March 18, 2013