The 2:3 Coffee-to-Tea Ratio That Boosts Longevity

A major UK study suggests that a simple daily mix of coffee and tea for longevity might hold the secret to a longer, healthier life. According to new findings published in the British Journal of Nutrition, people who consume around 7–8 beverages a day, especially a balanced 2:3 ratio of coffee to tea, have a significantly lower risk of death from all causes.

The Power of a Daily Brew

For centuries, water has been known as the foundation of life. However, recent research is revealing that what you drink beyond plain water can play a crucial role in your long-term health. This latest UK Biobank study followed 182,770 adults over an average period of 13.3 years, analyzing how their daily drink habits affected their overall mortality.
The findings were striking: those who drank a total of seven to eight beverages a day, including coffee and tea, had the lowest mortality rates. Surprisingly, the most beneficial combination wasn’t just about drinking more water but maintaining a balanced blend of tea, coffee, and water throughout the day.

What the Study Found

Researchers observed that participants who regularly consumed a 2:3 coffee-to-tea mix, roughly two cups of coffee and three cups of tea daily, experienced remarkable health benefits:

28% lower overall risk of death compared to those drinking fewer than four beverages a day.
45% reduction in all-cause mortality.
41% lower cancer-related deaths.
31% reduction in cardiovascular disease mortality.
72% lower deaths from respiratory diseases.
65% lower mortality from digestive diseases.

In short, the right coffee and tea for longevity balance might be more powerful than we ever thought.

Why Coffee and Tea May Extend Lifespan

Both beverages are packed with health-supporting compounds.

Coffee contains antioxidants like chlorogenic acids and flavonoids that help reduce inflammation, improve metabolism, and lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders.
Tea, especially green and black varieties, provides catechins and flavonoids that protect blood vessels, support heart health, and fight oxidative stress.

When consumed together, these compounds may work synergistically, enhancing each other’s effects on the body. Dr. Thomas M. Holland from the RUSH Institute for Healthy Ageing explained that coffee and tea “each contribute unique bioactive molecules that may amplify the other’s benefits.”

How to Apply This to Your Routine

Based on the study’s findings, here’s a simple daily routine you can try:

Morning: Two cups of coffee to start your day.
Throughout the day: Three cups of tea, green, black, or herbal varieties.
In between: Two to three glasses of water for steady hydration.

This combination provides hydration, antioxidants, and gentle stimulation without overloading on caffeine. However, it’s best to avoid sugary drinks and use high-quality coffee and tea free from artificial additives or plastic-based tea bags.

Conclusion

This landmark study from the British Journal of Nutrition adds a new perspective on how coffee and tea for longevity can fit into daily hydration habits. Rather than viewing tea and coffee as optional extras, this evidence suggests they may actively contribute to better long-term health when consumed in balance and moderation.

For billions who already enjoy their daily brews, the message is simple: your morning cup (or two) might be doing more for your lifespan than you think.

Source: Inputs from various media Sources

Priya Bairagi

Copy-Writer & Content Editor

All Posts

I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.