New Study Says Coffee Can Help You Live Longer—and It’s the Best News We’ve Heard All Week

For many of us, that morning cup of coffee is absolutely essential for getting us out of bed and functioning. But could your daily coffee habit be ensuring that you live a longer, healthier life? That’s the intriguing finding from a research study presented at the American Society of Nutrition, according to a New York Times report.

What the Coffee and Longevity Study Found

The study followed 47,000 female nurses since the 1970s, and monitored their diet and health conditions. In 2016, they narrowed the study down to 3,700 women who were still alive and did not have chronic illnesses like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease.

The study found that women who drank coffee—and in particular, drank seven cups’ worth of caffeine per day—were more likely to be in the group that they considered “healthy aging.”

It’s just the latest in a string of studies that have found a correlation between coffee drinking and health benefits like a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and other cardiometabolic diseases and an increase in longevity if you have a morning cup of joe.

And there may be certain compounds and chemicals in coffee that could be beneficial for you. “Coffee is rich in bioactive compounds like polyphenols, diterpenes, and antioxidants that can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress,” says Debbie Petitpain, MBA, RDN, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “Caffeine improves alertness and may support neuroprotection, which may explain which may explain coffee’s potential link to healthier aging outcomes.”

But as with most of these types of studies, it’s a correlation, not a definitive answer as to whether coffee is the reason behind their health as they age. “This study found an association—that doesn’t mean cause and effect, and doesn’t prove that coffee itself directly leads to healthier aging for women,” says Petitpain. “Research is also still teasing out if the benefit is coming from the coffee or the caffeine.” 

Should You Drink More Coffee?

Coffee can be great in moderation, but drinking it to excess—like seven cups’ worth—could be problematic for some people, Petitpain says. “Most people may not be able to tolerate this amount of caffeine without significant side effects like jitteriness, disrupted sleep, increased heart rate, or gastrointestinal discomfort. And some groups—like women who are pregnant, anyone with certain cardiovascular conditions including high blood pressure, or those sensitive to caffeine should limit their caffeine intake and consult their healthcare provider about appropriate intake.”

Here’s what to consider if you’re enjoying your coffee:

Keep it to a couple of cups of coffee

“Up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day—roughly equivalent to two to four small cups of brewed coffee—is generally considered safe for most healthy adults, according to the U.S. Dietary Guidelines and the FDA,” Petitpain says.

Watch the add-ins

Plain coffee is great—but that supersized, sugary coffee concoction should be a rare treat. “Adding sweeteners and fat—from creamer, for example—can increase calorie intake and reduce the overall health benefits of coffee,” Petitpain says.

Avoid later-in-the-day coffee fixes

One study did find that morning coffee provided the best benefits for your health—and it also reduces the impact of coffee on your sleep. “Consuming coffee late in the day can disrupt sleep, which is itself a critical component of healthy aging,” Petitpain says.

Look at the big picture

 Coffee is just one small component of a healthy lifestyle—and you need to look at your overall diet and lifestyle to ensure that you’re getting everything you need to keep healthy as you age. “Coffee can be a health-supporting habit when included in an overall nutritious diet and lifestyle,” Petitpain says. “But it’s not a substitute for other healthy behaviors like balanced eating, regular physical activity, and getting enough sleep.”