Researchers from the CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology in Portugal have found that drinking coffee regularly, in moderation, can help people live longer and stay healthier as they age.
According to their study, having three cups of coffee a day not only increases lifespan but also reduces the risk of many serious age-related diseases, improving the quality of those extra years.
Over the years, the view of coffee has changed. While it was once thought to be harmful, scientists now recognize its potential health benefits.
Coffee’s main ingredients, caffeine and chlorogenic acids, are known for their ability to boost alertness and provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, how these effects relate to aging is still not fully understood.
Coffee is a complicated drink. Besides caffeine, it contains thousands of other substances, many of which scientists have yet to study. This complexity makes it hard to pinpoint exactly which components are most beneficial for health.
Despite this, coffee remains one of the most popular drinks worldwide, second only to water. Because of this, studying its effects on large groups of people can provide valuable insights.
The researchers reviewed over 50 studies involving nearly 3 million people from different countries and ethnic backgrounds. These studies looked at how coffee drinking relates to life expectancy, health during aging, and the risk of various diseases.
The findings, published in Ageing Research Reviews, revealed that regular, moderate coffee consumption is linked to longer life, fewer age-related illnesses, and better health overall.
Drinking coffee in moderation was associated with a 17% lower risk of death from all causes. It also seemed to slow down some of the natural declines that come with aging, such as memory loss, mood changes, and physical limitations.
Coffee drinkers were also found to have lower risks of major health problems like heart disease, strokes, cancer, and respiratory conditions.
The study highlights the significant benefits of moderate coffee consumption, but it also introduces an interesting idea about caffeine. Traditionally thought of as a stimulant, caffeine is now being described as a “normalizer,” helping to stabilize the body’s systems.
This new perspective could change the way people think about coffee—not just as an energy booster but as a drink that might support overall health and balance.
The research was funded by major coffee companies, including illycaffè, Nestlé, Lavazza, and others, through a non-profit organization called the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC).
While ISIC collaborates with respected institutions to ensure research credibility, the fact that funding comes from coffee industry stakeholders may raise questions about bias.
However, the findings are based on data from a very large number of participants, which strengthens their reliability.
It’s also worth noting that other factors could influence these results. For example, people who drink coffee regularly might already have healthier lifestyles or better access to resources that support their well-being.
Additionally, people with certain health problems, such as heart conditions, anxiety, or sleep disorders, may avoid drinking coffee, which could affect the study’s conclusions.
Coffee’s widespread popularity makes these findings especially interesting. For many of us who enjoy a daily cup (or three), this research offers some encouraging news: that coffee might not only be a comforting ritual but also a potential ally in living a longer, healthier life.
If you care about nutrition, please read studies about the best time to take vitamins to prevent heart disease, and vitamin D supplements strongly reduce cancer death.
For more information about nutrition, please see recent studies about plant nutrient that could help reduce high blood pressure, and these antioxidants could help reduce dementia risk.
The research findings can be found in Ageing Research Reviews.
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