Morning cups are the fountain of youth.
A new study suggests that drinking caffeinated coffee may contribute to healthier aging in women. Researchers found that middle-aged women who regularly consumed coffee with caffeine were more likely to maintain good mental and physical health as they aged. This association was presented at the American Society for Nutrition’s annual meeting and highlights how certain dietary habits could support long-term wellness.
The study analyzed data from over 47,500 participants in the Nurses’ Health Study, a long-term research project that has tracked women’s health since 1984. Researchers looked at caffeine intake during midlife and compared it with participants’ health outcomes by age 70. Healthy aging was defined as living free from major chronic illnesses, retaining physical independence, maintaining cognitive abilities, and having sound mental health.
By 2016, more than 3,700 women in the study met these criteria. On average, these women consumed around 315 milligrams of caffeine daily, primarily from coffee. Researchers observed that each increase of 80 milligrams of caffeine per day improved the likelihood of aging well. However, this benefit appeared to be specific to coffee, as other sources of caffeine, such as tea and soda, did not show the same effect. In fact, caffeine from soda was linked to worse health outcomes.
Though promising, the researchers caution that coffee consumption is not a substitute for overall healthy living. They noted that while moderate coffee intake might support well-being, its effects are modest compared to the benefits of exercise, a nutritious diet, and other positive lifestyle habits. Further research is planned to better understand which components in coffee may be responsible for these outcomes.
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