Regular consumption of coffee may decrease incidence of main age-associated diseases contributing to mortality: Study

Over the past 2 decades, extensive epidemiological studies revealed that moderate coffee intake is linked to reduced all-cause mortality which offers insights into its role in promoting longevity and reducing age-related diseases. The findings of this study were published in the recent issue of Ageing Research Reviews journal.

This research from over 50 studies conducted across diverse geographical regions and ethnicities highlight a consistent reduction in mortality risk among coffee drinkers. Regular consumption of moderate doses of coffee (2 to 4 cups per day) has shown a 17% decrease in the risk of death from major health conditions such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, cancer, and respiratory illnesses. Also, coffee consumption seems to slow functional decline in the elderly by addressing issues like memory loss, depression, and frailty.

The implications of these findings extend to the biology of aging. The bioactive compounds of coffee, particularly caffeine and chlorogenic acids, appear to play a critical role in preserving key biological mechanisms. These compounds help reduce genomic instability, macromolecular damage, and metabolic impairments, while boosting proteostasis (protein homeostasis) and the body’s ability to adapt to stress and inflammation. Although the effects on stem cell regeneration remain unclear, the potential of coffee to slow aging at the cellular level is a promising frontier for further research.

The health span benefits of coffee translate to an average increase of 1.8 years in a person’s life expectancy. While modest, this improvement is significant for individuals seeking non-invasive lifestyle changes to enhance their overall well-being. Moreover, the safety of coffee consumption among older adults makes it a practical long-term habit and encouraging its inclusion as a health-promoting beverage across all life stages.

Overall, this new understanding of the health benefits of coffee offers a fresh perspective on the aging process. As coffee shifts from a mere beverage to a scientifically-backed health ally, it illuminates the potential of simple, everyday habits in shaping long and healthy lives. To maximize the benefits of coffee, future research aims to identify the most effective consumption patterns, including the types and doses of coffee that yield the greatest impact.

Reference:

Lopes, C. R., & Cunha, R. A. (2024). Impact of coffee intake on human aging: Epidemiology and cellular mechanisms. In Ageing Research Reviews (Vol. 102, p. 102581). Elsevier BV. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2024.102581