Regular Coffee Consumption Linked to 1.8-Year Extension in Healthy Lifespan, Study Finds

A new study suggests that the habit of regularly drinking coffee may increase a person’s healthy lifespan.

The findings, published in the journal Ageing Research Reviews, indicate that regularly consuming coffee could extend a healthy lifespan by an average of 1.8 years. The study was conducted by a research team from the University of Coimbra with support from the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC).

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages globally, with approximately 2 billion cups consumed daily. For decades, there has been ongoing debate about coffee’s health benefits and potential downsides.

Some studies highlight coffee’s nutritional and antioxidant properties, suggesting that it may reduce the risks of type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, liver disease, and obesity. Conversely, other research warns that regular coffee consumption can lead to issues such as anxiety, migraine symptoms, sleep disturbances, and gastrointestinal problems.

The University of Coimbra research team analyzed more than 50 previous studies to clarify coffee’s impact on lifespan. They found moderate coffee consumption could lower the risk of certain chronic diseases. Since age is a significant risk factor for many chronic illnesses, they hypothesized that coffee might have anti-aging effects.

The researchers emphasized that extending lifespan without improving quality of life is meaningless. Therefore, they focused on a healthy lifespan rather than an overall lifespan.

Their analysis revealed that regular coffee consumption could increase a healthy lifespan by an average of 1.8 years. They explained that chlorogenic acid, an antioxidant in coffee, helps delay aging by preventing the chemical breakdown of cells and promoting cellular repair after exposure to harmful stimuli.

Additionally, caffeine in coffee activates receptors involved in stress and risk signaling, optimizing cellular functions and preserving cell health under continuous external stress. This mechanism may help maintain cell integrity over time.

However, the researchers noted that further studies are needed to determine who benefits the most from coffee consumption and how it should be consumed to maximize benefits.

Experts recommend that individuals consider how much and how often they drink coffee and whether they have experienced discomfort such as chest pain, heartburn, throat irritation, or acid reflux after consumption.

They also advise reflecting on whether coffee is consumed as an enjoyable activity or merely an energy stimulant. If the latter, the habit may not contribute to long-term health benefits.

Most importantly, they caution against relying on coffee as a magic potion for extending a healthy lifespan, as numerous factors influence overall health.