Coffee not only helps maintain alertness but is also associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, cognitive decline, and some man tinh diseases. Recently, scientists have also been studying coffee's impact on biological aging – how the body "ages" at a cellular level.
Biological age is often assessed through telomere length. Telomeres are DNA segments located at the ends of chromosomes that protect cells. Longer telomeres are generally considered a sign of "younger" cells, while shorter telomeres are linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, and cancer.
A study published in the BMJ Mental Health journal in 2025, conducted by King’s College London in collaboration with research institutes in Norway and the UK, utilized data collected during the 2007-2018 period from 436 individuals with severe mental disorders. Participants were divided into four groups based on their daily coffee consumption: no coffee, one to two cups, three to four cups, and five cups or more. The research team then took blood samples to measure telomere length.
Results showed that individuals who drank three to four cups of coffee daily had significantly longer telomeres compared to the non-drinking group, estimated to be equivalent to about five years younger in biological age. However, this benefit decreased in the group consuming too much coffee. The authors emphasized that this was an observational study, so it cannot be concluded that coffee directly slows aging. The results only indicate an association between moderate coffee consumption and a slower biological aging process.
Experts suggest that coffee's potential benefits may relate to its polyphenol content. Polyphenols are a group of natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds found in the beverage. They can help reduce inflammation and limit cellular damage from oxidative stress, a mechanism that promotes aging. Moderate coffee consumption is also linked to a lower risk of certain man tinh diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. These factors can accelerate biological aging.
While coffee is associated with many health benefits, consuming too much caffeine can lead to increased blood pressure, rapid heart rate, anxiety, nausea, and sleep disturbances. Accordingly, coffee's benefits for biological age begin to diminish when consumption exceeds four cups per day. One reason for this could be caffeine's impact on sleep quality.
According to Lee Ryan, Professor of Psychology and Director of the Cognitive and Neuroimaging Laboratory at the University of Arizona, US, caffeine affects everyone differently. Some individuals may experience insomnia or poor sleep quality even with small amounts.
He stated that sleep plays a vital role in brain health, so people should not consume caffeine in a way that interferes with rest.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that adults limit caffeine intake to approximately 400 mg per day, which is equivalent to about four 240 ml cups of coffee. Experts advise that moderate coffee consumption, combined with adequate sleep, a healthy diet, and regular exercise, is the best way to support healthy aging long-term.
Bao Bao (According to Verywell Health)
