Can Coffee Extend Your Lifespan? New Study Reveals Surprising Health Benefits

A study from the University of Coimbra in Portugal highlights significant health benefits associated with moderate and consistent coffee consumption. According to the researchers, drinking three cups of coffee a day may extend life expectancy by an average of 1.84 years. The findings, published in Ageing Research Reviews, are based on an analysis of 85 previous studies conducted worldwide.

The research focused on the relationship between coffee intake and various health markers, including the impact of coffee on vital functions such as muscle health, heart function, immune response, and mental performance. Professor Rodrigo Cunha, a neurologist who led the study, explained: “Traditional health guidelines often overlook coffee’s role in healthy aging. We found a clear association between coffee consumption and the preservation of essential bodily functions, as well as the prevention of age-related biological decline.”

The researchers emphasized that moderate coffee intake may also reduce the risk of common age-related diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and dementia. Beyond physical health, coffee consumption was also linked to improved mental well-being and a lower risk of severe depression.

However, the study noted several important caveats. Firstly, much of the data relied on self-reported coffee consumption habits, which may affect accuracy. Additionally, the study was funded by the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee, an organization supported by international coffee companies, which raises potential concerns of conflict of interest.

“We are not claiming that coffee is the direct cause of increased longevity,” Cunha clarified. “Our study identifies significant statistical correlations, but other factors may also influence the outcomes.”

The researchers conclude that coffee can be part of a healthy diet, provided it is consumed in moderation and with attention to each individual's health circumstances.