Is drinking coffee good for your health? A new research study shows an association between coffee intake and reduced risk of death, but there are other factors that need to be taken into account.

Eric R. Goldberg, MD, clinical associate professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and section chief for general internal medicine and clinical innovation at NYU Langone’s Tisch Hospital, discusses this observational study with The New York Times and cautions there may be other lifestyle factors contributing to lowering mortality risk among those coffee drinkers. Scientists don’t know exactly what makes coffee so beneficial, Dr. Goldberg says, but the answer may lie in its antioxidant properties, which can prevent or delay cell damage.

However, adding sugar, sweeteners, or other additives can cause a negative impact. “All bets are off when it comes to matching this with a latte, a Frappuccino, the super mocha whipped whatever,” says Dr. Goldberg. These kinds of beverages are high in calories and fat, which take away the benefit of drinking coffee.

Read more from The New York Times.