Mormons live by a health code known as the “Word of Wisdom.” The Word of Wisdom includes a passage which says:
And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly.
Since that time, the “hot drinks” has been interpreted by Church leaders to refer specifically to coffee and tea. For example, the official statement from the Church says:
The only official interpretation of “hot drinks” (D&C 89:9) in the Word of Wisdom is the statement made by early Church leaders that the term “hot drinks” means tea and coffee.
As a result, Mormon Church members do not drink coffee or tea. The Word of Wisdom also outlines specific blessings that come to those who follow this commandment from the Lord:
And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint. And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen.
In fact, recent studies have shown that Mormons tend to be healthier and live longer. A study conducted by UCLA epidemiologist James E. Enstrom in the 1990s tracked the health and mortality rates of approximately 10,000 Mormons. The study found that Mormons have much lower death rates — about half of the general population — from cancer and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, Mormons tend to have a longer life expectancy, by as much as 8-11 years, than the general population.