If you are debating whether to pour yourself another cup of coffee – a new study may provide scientific justification for this. A study recently published in the journal BMJ Mental Health found a connection between daily drinking of three to four cups of coffee and a slowing down of biological aging, which may manifest itself in a longer lifespan – up to about five years.
The study followed 436 participants suffering from severe mental disorders (SMI), including schizophrenia, major depression and bipolar disorder. The researchers found that participants who consumed three to four cups of coffee a day displayed a lower biological age – on average up to five years – compared to those who did not drink coffee at all. However, it was found that the health benefit was inhibited and even weakened when the consumption increased to five glasses a day or more.
Why coffee?
According to the researchers, the positive effect of coffee is mainly related to the content of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances in it. These herbal compounds help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation – two major factors in accelerating aging. In addition, caffeine itself has been linked in previous studies to increased activity of the enzyme telomerase (TERT), which is involved in maintaining telomere length.
Dr. Small added that coffee may also improve metabolic indices, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and even dementia – all of which contribute to a decrease in life expectancy.
However, the experts emphasize caution in interpreting the findings. “The findings may also be relevant to the general population, but this is a generalization that requires further research,” said Dr. Small. He mentioned that excessive caffeine consumption can cause side effects such as anxiety, insomnia, palpitations and increased heart rate.
The American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends not to exceed a daily consumption of 400 mg of caffeine – the equivalent of two to three large cups of coffee. This, although in the current study benefits were observed even with a slightly higher consumption.
The researchers also point out that most of the health benefits found in previous studies are related to black coffee, without added sugar or cream – additions that may actually harm metabolic health.