For millions of people across the globe, having a cup of coffee is an integral part of their morning ritual. For many people, getting ready for the day without a cuppa would be an inconceivable task. New research has revealed that if consumed daily, coffee benefits you in several other ways too. In fact, a new study that examined the link between coffee and longevity has potentially confirmed the health benefits of daily coffee consumption. So, how can coffee improve longevity and health? Read more below to find out.
How Can Coffee Improve Longevity and Health?
Researchers from the University of Toronto wanted to learn more about the potential link between coffee and longevity. They first analyzed the dietary data of around 47,000 female participants who had taken part in the Nurses’ Health Study. To gain a better understanding of the participants’ disease and death rates, they were initially surveyed in middle age and then tracked for 30 years. They found that those individuals who consumed coffee in moderate amounts during middle age were more likely to have aged well 30 years later.
Daily Coffee Benefits
According to Dr. Sara Mahdavi, the lead author of the study, “Women who drank one to three cups of caffeinated coffee per day in their 50s were more likely to reach older age free from major chronic diseases and with good cognitive, physical, and mental health.” However, the health benefits of daily coffee consumption were not similarly found in other caffeinated drinks such as tea. Nor were the daily coffee benefits experienced by those who drank decaffeinated coffee. Additionally, drinking caffeinated drinks such as sodas actually lowered your likelihood of againg healthily.
Read More: Should You Be Drinking Coffee First Thing In The Morning? Expert Explains Why You Shouldn’t.
The Study on Coffee and Longevity
The relationship between coffee and longevity seems to be unique amongst the caffeinated beverages. However, the study also has certain limitations, particularly as the results were based on observational findings and not direct examinations of cause and effect. The study is only able to show that certain behaviors and outcomes have a greater chance of occurring together. While they did account for other lifestyle factors that influence healthy aging, they feel there might still be other variables at play.
Previous Studies
Yet, its findings would be consistent with prior studies that have found several other daily coffee benefits. For example, moderate coffee use has also been linked to a lower risk of developing certain chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. So, based on these studies, should everyone start drinking coffee if they don’t already? Well, while the results look promising, they may not be applicable to everyone. This is particularly true for women who will experience various hormonal shifts throughout their lives. Her body will metabolize coffee in a different way based on ther age, biology, and health.
We All React Differently
There is a specific enzyme in the liver which plays a key role in the breaking down of coffee. However, estrogen can actually inhibit this enzyme and prevent it from working. This means that caffeine can stay in some people’s bodies longer than others. This is especially true for women going through hormonally-driven transitions, such as when using oral contraception, during pregnancy, or during menopause. The time period examined in this study, midlife, is a period that is full of metabolic and hormonal changes for women.
Read More: 8 Health Benefits of Coffee and Tea
Moderation Is Key
According to the study’s lead author, “Moderate caffeinated coffee consumption – typically one to three cups per day – can be part of a healthy diet for many adults.” Yet, she stressed that these findings should not be taken as a “blanket rescommendation” for absolutely everyone who wants to improve their health and longevity. While the study showed that those already drinking around 3 cups per day enjoyed better long-term functioning, it did not show whether those who started drinking now would do any better than those who remained non-drinkers.
Not For Everyone
For many people across the world who drink coffee every day, these benefits will come as welcome news. However, drinking coffee, even moderately, may not be the answer for everyone. For example, if you have any sort of heart disease, suffer from high blood pressure, sleeping disorders, or anxiety, coffee may actually make these conditions worse. Also, one cannot rely on coffee consumption alone to achieve healthy aging. It needs to ba part of an overall plan that includes eating properly, getting proper sleep, and exercising regularly.
The Bottom Line
For millions of coffee lovers across the globe, the health benefits of daily coffee consumption will be welcomed with open arms. The study on the link between coffee and longevity provides even more reasons to enjoy this refreshing beverage in the morning. However, these daily coffee benefits may not work for those who drink decaf. Nor do they appear to be linked to drinking other beverages with caffeine. Additionally, it’s not a cure-all and some people need to be wary of drinking coffee, such as women during certain parts of their lives and people with cardiovascular conditions.
Read More: What Is Coffee Leaf Tea? 5 Potential Benefits.
