Can Your Daily Coffee Extend Your Life?

A new study from the University of Coimbra in Portugal highlights significant advantages to moderate and regular coffee consumption. According to the researchers, drinking three cups of coffee a day could potentially add an average of 1.84 years to your lifespan. The study's findings were published in Ageing Research Reviews and are based on an analysis of 85 previous studies conducted worldwide.

The research focused on the relationship between coffee consumption, health metrics, and longevity, examining coffee's impact on vital functions like the muscular and cardiovascular systems, the immune system, and mental function. Professor Rodrigo Cunha, a neurologist who led the study, noted, "Traditional recommendations often overlook coffee's impact on healthy aging. We found a significant correlation between coffee consumption, preservation of vital functions, and prevention of age-related biological decline."

The researchers emphasized that moderate coffee consumption could also reduce the risk of common diseases among the elderly, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and dementia. Besides the health benefits, coffee was found to improve mental health and prevent severe depression.

However, there are significant caveats to the study. Firstly, much of the findings are based on participants' self-reports about their coffee consumption habits, which could affect accuracy. Additionally, the research was supported by the "Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee," which is funded by international coffee companies, potentially leading to a conflict of interest.

"We are not claiming that coffee is the direct cause of longevity," Cunha stated. "Our research describes significant statistical relationships, but there may be other factors influencing the findings."

The researchers conclude that coffee can be part of a healthy diet, as long as it is consumed in moderation and with an awareness of each individual's personal circumstances.