2 extra years of life: Drinking coffee daily shows benefits for aging

That morning coffee could be doing more than just jolting you awake — it might actually be adding years to your life. A new scientific review suggests that regular coffee consumption could extend your healthy lifespan by nearly two years, challenging long-held beliefs about coffee’s impact on aging.

Researchers from Portugal have uncovered compelling evidence that drinking coffee isn’t just a pleasant ritual, but potentially a powerful tool for maintaining health as we get older. The study, published in Ageing Research Reviews, reveals that moderate coffee drinking could be a simple yet effective way to support healthy aging.

The global population is getting older rapidly. By 2050, people 65 and older are expected to make up 16% of the world’s population, up from 10% in 2022. This demographic shift makes understanding ways to maintain health in later years increasingly critical.

The review analyzed over 50 scientific studies, focusing specifically on how coffee impacts human health and aging. The most striking finding? Regular coffee consumption can add an average of 1.8 years to a person’s healthy life expectancy — and this benefit appears to be equally powerful for both men and women.

However, coffee’s potential isn’t just about living longer — it’s about living better. The research suggests that coffee may help reduce the risk of several chronic diseases, including cardiovascular issues, cancer, respiratory diseases, and cognitive decline.

“We know that the world’s population is aging faster than ever, which is why it’s increasingly important to explore dietary interventions which may allow people to not only live longer but also healthier lives,” says lead author Rodrigo Cunha from the University of Coimbra in a media release.

What makes coffee so special?

It’s not just about caffeine. Coffee contains over 2,000 potentially bioactive compounds, including polyphenols that may offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. These compounds could help regulate insulin sensitivity and reduce neuroinflammation.

Experts recommend moderation: the European Food Safety Authority considers three to five cups of coffee per day (up to 400mg of caffeine) safe for most adults. Pregnant or lactating women should limit intake to 200mg per day. Importantly, the study challenges traditional medical advice that often suggested reducing or avoiding coffee consumption as people age.

“Traditional clinical recommendations have at times overlooked coffee’s role in healthy aging,” Cunha explains. “But with a strong research base around how regular consumption can potentially reduce some of the most chronic diseases facing society, it is likely time to re-evaluate these.”

While the research is promising, the scientists are quick to note that there’s still much to learn.

“There is still room to understand more about exactly how these mechanisms work,” Cunha adds, suggesting that future research could uncover even more about coffee’s potential health benefits.

So, the next time you brew your morning coffee, you might just be doing something good for your long-term health. Just remember moderation is key.