Long ago, we used to feel guilty for consuming a third cup of coffee.

Traditional advice suggested that adults should consume no more than two cups of coffee a day.

But with the increasing time-crunch to get work done and decreasing average hours of sleep, most Americans find it hard to limit themselves to just two cups.

Thankfully, a new study suggests that we don't have to feel guilty for wanting more - in fact, drinking more coffee could actually extend your life...

If you find yourself hitting the 11 a.m. wall, like most people, you're about ready for that third cup of coffee. Those who work a typical 9-5 shift will find that they're reaching for their third or fourth cup of coffee by 4:00 p.m.

Don't worry, if you're consuming an average of four cups of coffee in a day - you may actually be lowering your risk of death!

A recent study conducted at the Hospital de Navarra in Pamplona, Spain, revealed that drinking more coffee could literally lower your risk of death.

Scientists gathered 20,000 participants and followed them over the course of ten years.

The people who drank at least four cups of coffee each day were 64% less likely to die than the participants who either never drank coffee or rarely did.

Also interesting not note, participants who were 45 years and older who drank two additional cups of coffee each day had a 30% lower rate of death.

"Our findings suggest that drinking four cups of coffee each day can be part of a healthy diet in healthy people," said Dr. Adela Navarro, a cardiologist at Hospital de Navarra.

So, if you're a reasonably healthy person, go ahead - have that fourth cup of coffee!

[h/t Elite Daily]