Women in their 50s who drink one to three cups of caffeinated coffee daily are more likely to enjoy healthier aging 30 years later, according to a new study.
Led by Dr. Sara Mahdavi from the University of Toronto, the research analyzed dietary data from over 47,000 women in the Nurses’ Health Study. Participants were surveyed during midlife and followed for three decades.
“We found that moderate caffeinated coffee consumption during midlife was associated with higher odds of healthy aging,” Mahdavi said.
The benefit was unique to caffeinated coffee—no similar link was found for decaf, tea, or sodas. In fact, soda consumption was linked to lower chances of aging well.
Dr. David Kao from the University of Colorado noted that coffee might offer unique protective effects compared to other caffeinated drinks.
Although observational, the findings echo previous studies linking coffee to reduced risks of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Health experts advise that people with hypertension, heart disease, anxiety, or sleep disorders should moderate their coffee intake.
