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On the Greek island of Ikaria, it was discovered that many of its residents are living to age 90 and up – and researchers from the University of Athens Medical School say it might be due to the popularity of boiled Greek coffee.
Dr.Gerasimos Siasos from the University of Athens presents the case that only .01% of Europeans live above age 90, but on the island of Ikaria the percentage is 1%. This is one of the highest longevity rates in the world. And, researchers have found that the islanders tend to maintain good health during their longer life span.
Researchers randomly selected 71 men and 71 women out of the eligible 673 Ikarians that were age 65 and up to take part in the study. They then checked blood pressure, diabetes, heart conditions, and other health conditions as well as asked them health questions, lifestyle questions, and about coffee drinking habits. The participants endothelium function was also checked, which is a layer of cells that line blood vessels that are affected by aging and smoking.
When asked about coffee habits, 87% regularly consumed boiled Greek coffee. Those who consumed mainly boiled Greek coffee were found to have better endothelium function than those who consumed none or other types of coffee.
The study was then published in Vascular Medicine. A statement given by Siasos concludes the following, “Boiled Greek type of coffee, which is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants and contains only a moderate amount of caffeine, seems to gather benefits compared to other coffee beverages.”