Morning Coffee May Slow Ageing, But Only in the Right Daily Dose

Coffee – one of the world’s most loved beverages, has several health benefits associated with it. While many of you may have it for energy, some to wake up in the morning, a new study now says it can help those with mental illness live healthier and longer lives if people consume it in moderation. According to researchers from King’s College London, drinking up to four cups of coffee daily is associated with longer telomeres - protective caps on chromosomes that serve as markers of cellular ageing, in those who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and psychotic depression. The study analyzed data from nearly 500 adults and found that those who drank three to four cups of coffee daily had telomeres consistent with a biological

age about five years younger than those who did not drink coffee at all. The study, published in the journal BMJ Mental Health, also found that those who drank more than four cups could not find any benefits, but actually saw signs of more cellular stress. The research aligns with guidance from health agencies like the US Food and Drug Administration, which recommends limiting caffeine intake to around 400 milligrams daily, or roughly four cups of coffee. “We know that coffee can help slow biological aging in the general population, but little is known about its effect on people with severe mental illness — a population whose lifespan is already shortened, in part due to age-related diseases,” Dr Vid Mlakar, lead author of the study from King’s College London, said in a press release statement.

How do four cups of coffee work for longevity?

According to experts, telomeres naturally shorten with age, and the process appears to happen faster in those with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. They also die about more than a decade earlier, often from age-related diseases like heart disease and cancer, as telomeres are super sensitive to oxidative stress and inflammation. The researchers believe that coffee's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds help shield cells from wear and tear. “Coffee is a beverage that many people consume daily,” Dr Monica Aas, a research fellow at King’s College London, stated in the release. On the one hand, we know that excessive coffee consumption can have negative health effects, such as reducing sleep quality. However, our new study suggests that coffee consumption up to a certain point may have benefits for biological aging,” she added.

What happens when you drink excessive caffeine?

Drinking too much coffee, packed with caffeine, can lead to various side effects, which include restlessness, anxiety, insomnia, and an increased heart rate. A few other effects include digestive issues, headaches, and muscle tremors. According to doctors, severe overdose symptoms, though rare, can be more serious, including confusion, nausea, and even seizures. It also causes increased heart rate, heart palpitations, and a temporary rise in blood pressure, along with gastrointestinal issues like upset stomach, nausea, and increased urination.