Aging: 3-5 cups of coffee a day may add extra 5 years to life span
If you enjoy a few cups of coffee every day, here’s some good news: a new study suggests that drinking 3–5 cups of coffee daily may actually slow down biological aging — especially for people living with major psychiatric conditions.
Published in BMJ Mental Health, the study found that moderate coffee drinkers had longer telomeres — tiny DNA caps that act like protective tips on chromosomes. Longer telomeres are often seen as signs of younger biological age.
In fact, the results suggest that this daily coffee habit could make some people’s biological age appear five years younger.
Why This Matters for People With Psychiatric Disorders
People with conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression tend to have shorter lifespans — often up to 15 years shorter. They also typically have shorter telomeres, which signal faster cellular aging.
But here’s the interesting part:
Participants in the study who drank 3–5 cups of coffee a day had telomere lengths similar to people five years younger. Meanwhile, those who didn’t drink coffee at all had the shortest telomeres.
The study analyzed 436 adults between ages 18 and 65 who were diagnosed with disorders on the psychosis spectrum. All data were collected from psychiatric units in Oslo, Norway.
Why Coffee May Be Protective
Researchers believe coffee’s benefits likely come from its powerful plant compounds and antioxidants — not just the caffeine.
Registered dietitian Michelle Routhenstein explains that coffee contains chlorogenic acids (CGA) and trigonelline, which:
- Reduce oxidative stress
- Lower inflammation
- Protect DNA
- Support healthier cellular aging
These processes help slow the natural shortening of telomeres, potentially contributing to a younger biological age.
But More Isn’t Better — And Too Much Coffee Can Backfire
While 3–5 cups per day appears beneficial, drinking more than five cups did not show the same anti-aging effect. In some cases, it may even be harmful.
Researchers warn that excessive coffee intake may:
- Disrupt sleep
- Increase stress
- Create reactive oxygen species (which damage cells)
- Speed up telomere shortening
- Raise anxiety or blood pressure
- Affect calcium and iron absorption
In short, moderation is key.
The study’s authors emphasize that coffee isn’t simply “good or bad.” Instead, the right amount may support healthy aging — while too much can have the opposite effect.
Other Foods That May Speed Up Aging
The study also highlights that certain foods may contribute to shorter telomeres, including:
- Processed meats
- Foods high in added sugars
- Refined grains
- High-glycemic items (that spike blood sugar)
These foods increase inflammation and oxidative stress — both enemies of healthy aging.
Conclusively
A moderate daily coffee habit — 3–5 cups — may help slow premature aging, particularly for people with psychiatric disorders. But like most things in nutrition, balance matters. Too much coffee can undo the benefits.
More research is needed, but for now, your morning brew might be doing more than just waking you up.
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