Beginning in the 1980s, researchers examined the dietary patterns of 47,000 women participating in the long running Nurses’ Health Study and followed up with them every four years. In 2016, the healthy agers of the cohort had consumed an average of 315 mg of caffeine per day, equivalent to between one and three cups of coffee. Healthy agers were defined as reaching age of 70 without 11 major chronic conditions, such as heart disease, maintaining physical function, being in good mental health, and without cognitive impairment or memory issues. The findings, which are still pending peer review, were announced at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition in Orlando on Monday.
The results found that caffeinated coffee reigned supreme for healthy aging compared to tea or decaffeinated coffee, which did not have a positive correlation. A higher consumption of caffeinated beverages, like sodas, had a negative association with healthy aging.
While the research does not establish a direct causal relationship between coffee and healthy aging, it adds to a growing body of research into coffee’s potential benefits for the body and brain.
It’s also unclear if non-coffee drinkers could reap the same benefits if they suddenly started drinking coffee. There are many other lifestyle choices that have been shown to improve odds of healthy aging, including diet, exercise, and sleep. However, the research can provide some peace of mind for moderate coffee drinkers.
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