Daily Coffee May Slow Aging and Preserve Muscle Mass in Older Adults

A study which tracked more than 1,100 adults, has concluded with surprising findings about the link between coffee consumption and healthy aging.

The research, led by Dutch scientists from Vrije University, followed participants over the age of 55 for seven years to examine how daily coffee intake impacts the aging process. The researchers discovered that the antioxidants in coffee help prevent or reduce age-related muscle loss.

How much coffee are we talking about? “Two to three cups a day,” explains Margriet Oelthof, the lead researcher. “As we age, we seek more ways to stay healthy. Our study found a correlation between daily coffee consumption and reduced risk of fractures and sprains in older adult- a common issue as people grow older.”

According to Oelthof, the antioxidants in coffee also help reduce muscle inflammation and general muscle weakness, improve insulin absorption, and support overall good health.

“Our research reinforces earlier studies showing that the antioxidants in coffee significantly improve cognitive performance in older adults,” Oelthof adds. However, she also cautions that coffee consumption should remain moderate and not exceed U.S. health guidelines, which currently recommend no more than five cups a day for healthy individuals, and up to three cups a day for vulnerable populations like seniors.

Additionally, she stresses the importance of knowing your sensitivity to caffeine, as side effects like increased heart rate, stomach irritation, or recurrent dizziness may indicate that coffee should be consumed more carefully.