Drinking coffee regularly may lengthen life by nearly two years.
It’s associated with a lower risk of heart and respiratory diseases, stroke, some cancers, diabetes, dementia, and major depression, according to a new study in the journal, Ageing Research Reviews.
Coffee may have multiple healthy effects, they say, including building up a better resilience to stress.
The researchers analysed all the available data on coffee and its effects on people, and produced the first analysis of the impact coffee and its compounds on ageing.
Results show that regular coffee drinking is associated with an extra 1.84 years of life, as well as a lower risk of most diseases associated with advancing age.
Drinking coffee regularly is linked to a lower risk of depression and dementia (file)
Coffee is linked to living longer and having a lower risk of some life-threatening diseases (file)
Just how coffee could have such effects is unclear.
According to the researchers, coffee contains more than 2,000 compounds.
Some have anti-inflammatory effects, while others act as antioxidants, and both types can have an impact on disease and lifespan.
Coffee has particularly high levels of caffeine and chlorogenic acids, which have been found to protect against cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and inflammation-related conditions.
Chlorogenic acid has also been linked to anxiety and stress, and has been suggested as a treatment for post tramaumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Researchers from the University of Coimbra, Portugal said: `Coffee should be enjoyed as a treasure trove of benefits tailored for the golden years.’
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