New research suggests that daily coffee consumption may help slow biological aging. A study published in BMJ Mental Health found that drinking three to four cups of coffee per day was associated with longer telomere lengths—the protective stretches of DNA at the ends of chromosomes—closely resembling those of someone up to five years younger. Drinking five or more cups, however, did not appear to provide additional benefits.
How Coffee May Reduce Biological Age
The research analyzed data from more than 430 people with severe mental health conditions, a group that tends to have shorter telomeres on average. Among them, those who drank three to four cups of coffee per day had longer telomeres than those who didn’t. Scientists are still working to understand the exact mechanism, but have several theories.
According to Tommy Wood, PhD, coffee compounds “either have direct antioxidant effects or can stimulate our cells to improve their own antioxidant defenses.” By decreasing oxidative stress, less damage occurs to DNA and other cellular components that would otherwise result in telomere shortening and accelerated aging. Eva De Angelis, a registered dietitian, noted that “although the more well-researched compound in coffee is caffeine, coffee has other beneficial bioactive compounds, like polyphenols, diterpenes, and trigonelline, that have antioxidant properties.”
Broader Health Benefits
Previous research has linked coffee with significant health advantages. In 2022, research from the American College of Cardiology suggested that drinking two to three cups of coffee per day could reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke by up to 15 percent. Another study published in the journal Nutrition Reviews found that one or two cups of decaffeinated coffee per day may help protect against type 2 diabetes. Additional research suggests that coffee consumption may reduce the risk of dementia, lower the risk of liver disease, and even decrease the likelihood of depression.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://vegnews.com/coffee-may-be-making-you-younger