Coffee Consumption Linked to Slower Biological Aging, New Study Suggests
London, UK – Daily coffee consumption may hold a key to preserving cellular health and slowing down biological aging, according to a new observational study published by researchers at King’s College London.The research, conducted among 436 Norwegians diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depressive disorder, suggests a sweet spot of 3 to 4 cups per day is associated with longer telomeres – protective caps on the ends of chromosomes that shorten with age.
Telomeres are notably vulnerable to oxidative stress and inflammation, factors often exacerbated by the mental health conditions studied. “Telomeres are extremely sensitive to oxidative stress and inflammation,further highlighting how coffee consumption could help preserve cellular aging in a population whose pathophysiology may predispose to accelerated aging,” explained Dr. Monica Aas, the study’s author. Participants who drank this moderate amount of coffee exhibited telomere length equivalent to a biological age five years younger than those who abstained from coffee.
Though,the study also revealed a potential downside: consuming more than four cups of coffee daily appeared to negate the protective effect. While observational and requiring further confirmation, the findings add to a growing body of research exploring the potential health benefits of coffee and its complex compounds. The study underscores the importance of moderation, and health agencies like France’s National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety continue to reccommend mindful caffeine intake, particularly for vulnerable populations like pregnant women, children, and individuals with caffeine sensitivities.
