Your morning cup of coffee might be doing more than just helping you power through the afternoon slump. According to new research presented at the American Society for Nutrition meeting in Orlando, moderate coffee consumption may be linked to healthier aging—particularly for women.
Researchers analyzed data from 47,513 women enrolled in the long-term Nurses’ Health Study. Since 1984, participants have regularly completed detailed food frequency questionnaires, allowing researchers to track beverage consumption over time, including regular and decaffeinated coffee, tea, and cola.
Healthy aging was defined as reaching age 70 or older without any major chronic diseases—such as heart disease or cancer—while also maintaining good physical and mental health, with no significant memory issues or cognitive decline.
The study found a consistent link between moderate caffeinated coffee consumption in midlife and better odds of healthy aging. Each additional cup of coffee per day was associated with a 2% to 5% higher likelihood of meeting the healthy aging criteria, up to five cups daily.
In contrast, other caffeinated beverages like tea and cola showed no similar benefit. In fact, regular cola consumption was associated with lower chances of healthy aging. Decaffeinated coffee also offered no significant advantages.
Researchers suggest that coffee may contain unique bioactive compounds, beyond caffeine, that help support physical and cognitive function with age.
While these results are promising, the study is observational and cannot prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Coffee drinkers may also engage in other healthy behaviors that influence aging, such as regular exercise or a balanced diet.
The data was also self-reported, which can introduce inaccuracies. Additionally, the study did not consider how coffee was prepared—black, with cream, or sugar—which may affect health outcomes. Finally, the sample group consisted solely of health professionals, which may limit how widely the findings apply.
Coffee appears to be a potentially helpful part of a healthy lifestyle, especially for women in midlife. Still, experts stress that it’s not a substitute for other wellness habits. Maintaining a balanced diet, staying active, avoiding smoking, and managing stress remain essential for healthy aging.
Individual responses to caffeine also vary. Genetic factors, such as variations in the CYP1A2 gene, influence how quickly a person metabolizes caffeine, which may affect how coffee impacts their health.
Moderate daily coffee intake may support physical and mental well-being as women age, but it’s most effective when combined with a healthy lifestyle. For coffee lovers, that daily cup may offer more than just an energy boost—it could be a small but meaningful part of aging well.
Related topics:
