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For about two-thirds of Americans, coffee is a daily ritual and a social habit. Beyond helping us feel awake, however, new research suggests it may also do something far more profound: slow the biological aging process, particularly in those with severe mental disorders. Recent findings published in BMJ Mental Health found that drinking 3 to 4 cups a day is associated with longer telomeres, which are protective caps on chromosomes that shorten as we age.

What does the research say?

It's long been known that coffee is packed with antioxidants that have potential anti-aging effects, but this groundbreaking new paper was the first to study the connection between coffee consumption and telomere length in people with brain disorders. 

The study, which involved over 400 adults with severe mental health diseases (Schizophrenia, bipolar, affective, or major depressive disorder), found that those who drank three to four cups of coffee per day had telomere lengths similar to people about five years younger than those who didn’t drink coffee. 

Telomeres are often described as the “plastic tips” on shoelaces because they protect chromosomes from fraying over time. Shortened telomeres are cellular markers of aging. People with severe mental health disorders tend to have shorter telomeres and a lifespan cut about 15 years prematurely on average.

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It's important to note the association wasn't observed with higher coffee consumption. In fact, individuals who drank five or more cups per day showed no additional benefit, and excessive intake can even be harmful by increasing oxidative stress, accelerating cell damage. It can also disrupt sleep, which can accelerate biological aging. 

“We need to move away from viewing coffee as simply good or bad, said Monica Aas, the study's senior author, told Medical News Today.

“Our study shows that moderate consumption of coffee may have beneficial effects, but excessive consumption is not recommended...thus, reducing coffee consumption in some individuals and introducing it in others may have a potential beneficial effect."

Three to four cups daily appear to hit a sweet spot where the antioxidants and other compounds in coffee may exert protective effects.

Why is coffee good for aging?

Coffee’s potential anti-aging properties are thought to stem largely from its rich array of antioxidants and bioactive compounds, including polyphenols (plant compounds), not its caffeine. These molecules help combat oxidative stress and inflammation—two biological forces closely tied to aging and chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

A 2017 review of coffee's effects in mice found that both caffeinated and decaffeinated versions could reduce levels of mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin), a protein involved in cell growth and aging. Previous studies have also found a link between regular coffee consumption and healthy aging, reducing the risk of certain age-related diseases. 

All this being said, most of these studies are observational, meaning they reveal correlation, not causation, and come with the caveat that more research is needed. 

Factors like genetics, lifestyle, sleep quality, and diet all factor into aging. While it's not a magic potion, coffee is a widely accessible and generally safe habit that may contribute to healthier aging as part of a balanced lifestyle.