Khaberni -Preliminary results from a broad-based American study confirmed that regular coffee consumption, about three small cups daily, may help women over seventy enjoy good health during old age.
The findings of this study, according to a report published by NotreTemps magazine, are good news for lovers of espresso, cappuccino, and other coffee types. Coffee may be a protective drink for women's health, whether consumed early in the morning, during your 10 AM break to rejuvenate your body, or after lunch. It might be one of the good habits to maintain or adopt, as an American study showed a correlation between this morning beverage, consumed by millions of women, and the chance of experiencing old age under excellent health conditions.
The study involved about 48,000 women and its preliminary results were presented at the beginning of this month during the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition in Orlando. Although the results are still preliminary and have not yet been published, they are intriguing as they focused on women over seventy who had regularly consumed coffee in their forties and fifties and were more likely to experience healthy aging. This means not only not suffering from chronic diseases but also enjoying good physical fitness and no decline in cognitive abilities.
◄ Beware of Excessive Consumption
To reach this conclusion, researchers relied on health data from thousands of nurses, who had been tracked since 1976. The information collected about them through surveys over four years included their diet, physical activity, tobacco consumption, level of education, and general health, but the researchers focused on one indicator: the amount and type of caffeine consumed between the ages of 45 and 60.
The results showed that women who consumed about three small cups of coffee or one and a half large cups daily after the age of seventy experienced old age under good health conditions, compared to those who drank little or none at all. However, the study results showed that this positive effect disappeared or even reversed for those who drank five cups or more. This is particularly true, according to many studies, because caffeine can sometimes cause sleep disturbances, which is known to be vital for optimal aging. However, neither tea, decaffeinated coffee, nor even Coca-Cola showed any protective effect in the same study.
◄ Combined Factors
The researcher and author of the study, Sarah Mahdavi, stated in a press release from the American Society for Nutrition: «Our work suggests that coffee may support a positive pathway for aging, maintaining mental and physical functions.»
While this observational study is something that coffee lovers will appreciate, it is important to note that it shows a correlation, not a direct link, between coffee and healthy aging both physically and mentally. The authors note that coffee consumption, albeit limited as we saw, should be accompanied by a good diet, regular physical activity, and good sleep, the three pillars of longevity.
