Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for CNN’s Life, But Better newsletter for information and tools designed to improve your well-being. Want to reach older age with a sharp mind and healthy body? Part of the answer may be in your coffee cup, according to new research. “Women who drank one to three cups of caffeinated coffee per day in their 50s were more likely to reach older age free from major chronic diseases and with good cognitive, physical, and mental health,” said lead study author Dr. Sarah Mahdavi, adjunct professor in the faculty of medicine and department of nutritional sciences at the University of Toronto. Researchers analyzed dietary data from more than 47,000 women who were part of the Nurses’ Health Study, according to the research released Monday at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition in Orlando. The study was presented as an abstract, but a more in-depth manuscript of the investigation will be submitted for peer review in the coming months, Mahdavi said. The women were surveyed in middle age and followed for 30 years to understand their rates of death and disease. “In this study, we found that moderate caffeinated coffee consumption during midlife was associated with a higher likelihood of healthy aging 30 years later,” Mahdavi said. It’s not just any caffeinated drink The effects were found in caffeinated coffee in particular, according to the research. The same link was not found for tea or decaffeinated coffee — and drinking more cola or other caffeinated sodas was tied to a lower chance of healthy aging. “This would imply that coffee in particular has health preserving or promoting effects,” said Dr. David Kao, Jacqueline Marie Schauble Leaffer Endowed Chair in Women’s Heart Disease and associate professor of medicine at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical School in an email. “As with other studies, they also appear to have found that coffee has a particular benefit over other caffeinated drinks.” That said, the research is high quality, added Kao, who was not involved in the research. The study is also observational, meaning it is limited in its ability to examine direct cause and effect. The new research can only show that a behavior and an outcome are more likely to occur together. Researchers did take that into account and adjusted for other factors that could link coffee drinking and healthy aging such as lifestyle, demographic and other dietary differences, but it is still possible there is another variable at play, Mahdavi said. But the link between coffee and healthy aging isn’t surprising –– it is consistent with prior research, Kao said. Moderate coffee drinking has been linked before to lower risks of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, he added. Is it time to start drinking coffee? Does this mean you should take on a coffee habit if you don’t have one already? Not necessarily, Mahdavi said. “Coffee may support longevity, but it’s not a universal prescription — especially for women. Hormonal shifts influence how caffeine is metabolized, so the benefits depend on timing, biology, and individual health,” she said in an email. Estrogen inhibits a liver enzyme that is crucial for breaking down caffeine, which means that caffeine may last longer in the body of some people, especially those going through hormonal transitions such as menopause or pregnancy or those using oral contraception, Mahdavi said. Midlife, the time period examined in this study, is a life stage marked by hormonal and metabolic shifts for women, she added. “Moderate caffeinated coffee consumption — typically one to three cups per day — can be part of a healthy diet for many adults,” Mahdavi said. “However, this should not be taken as a blanket recommendation for everyone to begin or increase coffee intake with the goal of longevity.” For one thing, the data can’t say whether increasing coffee consumption would help to preserve health, Kao said. “In other words, although women who drink 3 cups of coffee/day might have better long-term functioning than non-coffee drinkers, we don’t know if non-coffee drinkers started drinking 3 cups a day, whether they would have better functioning than if they remained non-coffee drinkers,” he said in an email. Who needs to watch their coffee intake? The findings do suggest that people don’t necessarily need to decrease their coffee consumption in the name of healthy aging, Kao said. “Coffee is an important and positive part of daily life in many cultures around the world, he said. “For many … the knowledge that a daily coffee or 3 is probably not harmful is welcome news.” That said, some people do need to watch their coffee consumption, including those with high blood pressure, heart disease, anxiety and sleep disorders, said Dr. Lu Qi, HCA Regents Distinguished Chair and professor at Tulane University Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in New Orleans. Qi was not involved in the research but was involved in another recent study showing that having coffee in the morning had a better impact on lowering death rates than drinking it throughout the day. Although coffee may be an enjoyable aspect of good health, it does not replace other healthy behaviors such as eating nutritious foods, exercising and getting good sleep, Mahdavi added.
Your daily cup of coffee could help you live longer and healthier, new study says
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Study Links Moderate Coffee Consumption to Healthier Aging in Women"
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TruthLens AI Summary
Recent research suggests that moderate coffee consumption may be linked to healthier aging, particularly among women. A study led by Dr. Sarah Mahdavi from the University of Toronto analyzed dietary data from over 47,000 women participating in the Nurses' Health Study. The findings indicated that women who consumed one to three cups of caffeinated coffee daily in their 50s were more likely to age without major chronic diseases and maintain good cognitive, physical, and mental health. This observational study, presented at the American Society for Nutrition's annual meeting, tracked participants over 30 years to assess their health outcomes. Notably, the study emphasized that the positive effects were specifically associated with caffeinated coffee, as no similar benefits were observed with tea or decaffeinated coffee, and consumption of caffeinated sodas was linked to lower chances of healthy aging.
While the study highlights a correlation between coffee consumption and healthy aging, experts caution that it does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Dr. David Kao, an independent expert, noted that the research adjusts for various lifestyle factors but acknowledged the possibility of other influencing variables. Moreover, Mahdavi pointed out that the benefits of coffee consumption may vary based on individual health, hormonal factors, and metabolic changes, particularly in women during midlife. Though moderate coffee intake can be part of a healthy diet for many adults, it is not a universal recommendation, and those with certain health conditions should be cautious about their coffee consumption. Ultimately, while the findings are promising, they do not imply that non-coffee drinkers should start drinking coffee solely for the sake of longevity, as the relationship remains complex and individualized.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article presents findings from a new study suggesting that moderate coffee consumption may be associated with healthier aging in women. This research, conducted on over 47,000 participants from the Nurses’ Health Study, highlights the potential benefits of drinking one to three cups of caffeinated coffee daily during midlife. The assertion that coffee, specifically, may have unique health-promoting effects sets the stage for broader public interest and discussion regarding dietary habits.
Purpose Behind Publication
The intention behind sharing this study could be to promote coffee as a healthful beverage, which may encourage more people to consume it. This aligns with trends focusing on lifestyle changes that contribute to longevity and well-being. By highlighting specific benefits of coffee, the article aims to shift public perception towards a more favorable view of coffee consumption.
Public Perception and Implications
By framing coffee as a potential ally in healthy aging, the article seeks to cultivate a positive narrative around its consumption. This could lead to increased coffee sales, benefiting the coffee industry. The focus on health may resonate particularly with older adults and those interested in preventative health measures, creating a sense of community among coffee drinkers.
Potential Omissions
The article does not address any negative health effects associated with excessive coffee consumption or the influence of other lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, which may also contribute to health outcomes. This could indicate an attempt to simplify the discussion or to promote coffee drinking without fully exploring the complexities of health.
Manipulative Aspects
There is a degree of manipulation in how the findings are presented, particularly in emphasizing the positive outcomes while downplaying the absence of similar benefits from other caffeinated beverages like tea or cola. Such selective reporting may skew public understanding of caffeine’s effects, leading to an overly simplistic view of dietary choices.
Trustworthiness of Information
While the study is based on substantial data and presents findings from a reputable source, the fact that it is currently only an abstract, pending peer review, raises questions about its robustness. Until further validation is provided, the findings should be approached with caution.
Target Audience
The article is likely to appeal to health-conscious individuals, particularly women in midlife, who seek ways to enhance their quality of life and longevity. It may also attract those in the wellness community and the coffee-drinking demographic.
Economic and Market Impact
This news could influence the coffee market positively, potentially boosting shares of coffee companies as consumer interest rises. Brands that highlight health benefits may gain an advantage in marketing strategies, impacting stock prices in the beverage sector.
Global Context
While this article may not directly influence geopolitical dynamics, it reflects a broader trend of promoting healthy lifestyles, which can have societal implications. As health trends gain traction, they may influence public policy and healthcare discussions.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
There is no clear indication that AI was employed in the crafting of this article. However, if AI tools were used, they might have influenced language structure or content organization. The straightforward presentation style could suggest some algorithmic assistance in generating the content.
The overall analysis reveals a carefully curated narrative that aims to encourage coffee consumption while selectively emphasizing health benefits. This tactic could be seen as manipulative due to its omission of broader health discussions and consequences. The credibility of the study remains to be fully verified pending further peer review.