Health
The secret to living better and longer: Study finds exact dose of coffee that adds years and aids in “healthy aging”
A new study claims that drinking a precise daily amount of coffee could extend your lifespan—adding nearly two years of healthy aging.
Researchers from the University of Coimbra in Portugal have delved into the science behind coffee’s link to healthy aging. Their findings suggest that moderate coffee consumption, when measured carefully, may extend “healthy aging” by nearly two years.
With the global population over 65 years old rapidly growing—from 10% in 2022 to a projected 16% by 2050—these insights could shape how we approach aging and nutrition. The study highlights the positive impact moderate coffee consumption can have on the elderly as part of a balanced, healthy lifestyle.
How much coffee is “just right”?
According to the European Food Safety Authority, moderate coffee consumption equates to about 3-5 cups per day or up to 400 mg of caffeine for most adults. For pregnant or breastfeeding women, the recommended limit drops to 200 mg per day.
What makes coffee so special?
Coffee has been extensively researched—more than 50 major studies link it to benefits like reducing the risk of:
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Cancer
- Respiratory issues
- Cognitive decline
- Frailty
The latest review was published in Ageing Research Reviews and supported by the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC), a collective non-profit funded by coffee companies. The study reports that moderate coffee consumption can contribute up to 1.8 additional healthy years to a person’s life. This means coffee doesn’t just help you live longer; it helps you live better.
Interestingly, while other anti-aging dietary interventions might show gender-based differences, this research found that coffee’s benefits apply equally to both men and women.
Time to reevaluate coffee’s role in aging
Traditional medical advice often cautions against coffee or suggests avoiding it altogether. However, the study advocates reevaluating coffee’s role in promoting healthy aging. Beyond its caffeine content, coffee contains more than 2,000 bioactive compounds, many with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds can help reduce inflammation and improve insulin regulation, both of which are crucial for mitigating age-related health issues.
More research on the horizon
Although the findings are promising, many questions remain. Researchers are still exploring the exact mechanisms behind coffee’s ability to reduce chronic disease risk.
Rodrigo Cunha, a lead researcher from the University of Coimbra, emphasizes the need to revisit clinical guidelines in light of these findings saying, “traditional clinical recommendations have at times overlooked coffee’s role in healthy aging, but with a strong research base around how regular consumption can potentially reduce some of the most chronic diseases facing society, it is likely time to re-evaluate these.”
Cunha adds that coffee may play a crucial role in counteracting the biological mechanisms that slow down or fail as we age. “Our review underlines the role regular, moderate coffee consumption can play in mediating against the biological mechanisms which naturally slow or fail as we get older – triggering a range of potential health issues and comorbidities,” he said.
Original article written by Luis Méndez, translated with the assistance of AI and edited by Greg Heilman.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.