The latest Harvard study shows that drinking coffee can reduce the suicide rate by 50%

The researchers followed 200,000 people and divided them into those who drank two to four cups of coffee a day and those who drank no coffee or less. Comparatively speaking, the suicide rate of the former is half that of the latter.

"Unlike other studies, we were able to compare caffeinated beverages with caffeine-free beverages, confirming that caffeine plays an important role in reducing suicide rates," said Michael Lucas, a researcher in Harvard University's Department of Nutrition who led the study.

Lukes believes caffeine acts on neurotransmitters in the brain, which in turn affects mood and reduces the likelihood of depression and suicide.

The researchers found that coffee has higher caffeine content and a more pronounced effect on mood than other caffeinated beverages, such as soda and tea.

80% of caffeine in coffee can be ingested by the body. There's about 140 milligrams of caffeine in a cup of coffee,"Lucas said," compared to about 47 milligrams in a cup of tea."

However, researchers caution that coffee is beneficial and still needs to be drunk in moderation. "All in all, our results suggest that drinking two to three cups of coffee or 400 milligrams of caffeine a day is good for you."

The study appears in the latest issue of the World Journal of Biological Psychiatry.