Drinking coffee could help women live longer: Study

A new study by the American Society of Nutrition has found that women who drink caffeinated coffee in their 40s and 50s may be more likely to stay mentally sharp, physically strong, and free from major illnesses as they age.

The research, which followed nearly 50,000 women for 30 years, shows that moderate coffee intake in midlife is linked to "healthy ageing", which is defined as living beyond 70 with good physical function, no memory issues, and freedom from chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, or cancer.

While coffee drinkers appeared to benefit, the study found no such advantage with decaffeinated coffee or tea.

In fact, women who drank more cola, another source of caffeine, were less likely to age healthily.

“Caffeinated coffee, not tea or decaf, may uniquely support ageing trajectories that preserve both mental and physical function,” said lead researcher Dr. Sara Mahdavi of Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

The findings come from the long-running Nurses' Health Study, which began tracking the diets and health of women in 1984.

Researchers used detailed food questionnaires and medical records to monitor



how much caffeine participants consumed and how they aged over time.

On average, women in the "healthy ager" group drank about 315 mg of caffeine per day, roughly the amount found in three small cups of regular coffee.

More than 80% of their caffeine came from coffee.

Each additional cup of coffee was linked to a 2% to 5% higher chance of ageing well, up to about five small cups per day.

The study also revealed a warning sign: each small glass of cola per day was associated with a 20% to 26% lower chance of healthy ageing.

This suggests not all caffeinated drinks offer the same benefits, and added sugar or other ingredients in soda may play a negative role.

"Small, consistent habits can shape long-term health,” said Dr. Mahdavi. However, she added that coffee is only one piece of the puzzle. Exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking are still the biggest factors for healthy aging.

The researchers also note that up to two cups of coffee a day is generally safe for most people, though more may be fine for some.

Genetic differences can affect how well individuals tolerate caffeine.