New study shows coffee could prolong life and prevent 11 chronic illnesses

Good news for coffee addicts. New research has shown that women who drink up to three cups a day of coffee live longer and healthier lives.

The study’s lead author, Dr. Sara Mahdavi of the Department of Nutritional Sciences and Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto, said that women who drink one to three cups of coffee per day during their 50s are more likely to live to an older age without major chronic diseases, with good mental, physical and cognitive health.

Scientists analysed the data of 47,000 women who participated in the Nurses’ Health Study. This long-running project tracked participants over a period of more than 30 years.  Researchers evaluated the data collected by participants using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Participants recorded their coffee consumption at midlife as well as over the following 30 years.

Moderate coffee consumption during midlife

Mahdavi explained that the study found moderate coffee consumption in midlife to be associated with a greater likelihood of aging well 30 years after.

The research found that the effects were particularly strong in caffeinated espresso. Tea or decaffeinated espresso did not show the same association. Drinking more cola and other caffeinated beverages was also linked to a reduced chance of healthy aging.

In an email, Dr. David Kao of the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical School and Jacqueline Marie Schauble Leaffer Chair in Women’s Heart Disease, said that this would suggest coffee has health-promoting or preserving effects. “As in other studies, it appears that they have also found coffee to be a healthier alternative than other caffeinated drink.”

Mahdavi said that regular caffeinated consumption during midlife has been modestly and consistently linked to healthy aging, which is defined by survival up to 70 years of age with intact mental, physical and cognitive function as well as the absence 11 major chronic illnesses.

An observational study

It is also an observational study, so it cannot examine causal relationships directly. The new research is limited to showing that an outcome and a behavior are more likely when they occur together.

Researchers adjusted for lifestyle, demographics and other dietary variations. They also took into account other factors which could be linked to coffee consumption and healthy ageing. Mahdavi said that it’s still possible another factor is at work.

The American Society for Nutrition held its annual meeting in 2025. This research was not peer-reviewed. 

A cup of coffee linked to a higher chance of aging in a healthy way

This study showed that each 80 milligrams (roughly equivalent to one small cup of coffee) of caffeine consumed daily increased the chance of healthy aging by 2-5 percent. The benefit started to diminish after five small cups of coffee per day.

The average participant reported drinking approximately 315 mg of caffeine per day. This is consistent with the US Food and Drug Administration’s recommendation of a maximum 400 mg of caffeine per day for healthy adults.

The coffee contains over 100 unique bioactive substances, of which many are antioxidants. These include phenolic acids flavonoids carotenoids. These phytochemicals are plant compounds that may promote healthy ageing.

Eliminates harmful free radicals

Research has shown that the phytochemicals found in coffee help to identify and eliminate harmful free radicals. Some of these compounds have antiviral, antimicrobial, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. They may protect against cancer, type 2 diabetes and cognitive decline.

Mahdavi, on the other hand, stated that if you’re not already a coffee drinker, this study does not mean that you should begin drinking caffeine now.

“Coffee may support longevity, but it’s not a universal prescription — especially for women. The benefits of caffeine depend on the timing, individual health, and biology. told CNN.

Mahdavi concluded, “While coffee can be a fun part of a healthier lifestyle, it cannot replace other healthy habits, such as eating nutritious food, exercising and getting 7-8 hours of sleep.”