Radio Cadena Agramonte emisiora de Camagüey
A recent study presented by Dr. Sara Mahdavi, assistant professor in the Faculty of Medicine and Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Toronto (Canada), suggests that women between the ages of 50 and 60 who consume one to three cups of coffee a day may be more likely to remain healthy in old age.
The results, obtained after an exhaustive analysis of data collected over 30 years, highlight the potential benefits of moderate coffee consumption on longevity and well-being.
Study Details
Mahdavi's team analyzed dietary data of more than 47,000 women who participated in a longitudinal study in the United States.
The participants completed questionnaires about their eating and lifestyle habits and were monitored by physicians for three decades. Updated information was collected every four years on their nutritional patterns, physical activity, and general health, with a focus on several aspects of healthy aging.
Researchers evaluated how daily consumption of 80 mg of caffeine, equivalent to a small cup of coffee, influenced the likelihood of healthy aging.
They also examined the impact of other beverages such as tea, decaffeinated coffee, and soft drinks. By 2016, the results revealed that more than 3,000 women who consumed an average of 315 mg of caffeine per day (equivalent to about three small cups of coffee) during middle age met criteria for healthy aging.
These women were free of serious chronic diseases, maintained good mental health without cognitive impairment or memory problems, and engaged in regular physical activity.
Specific Results
The study found no significant association between consumption of decaffeinated coffee, tea, or soft drinks and healthy aging. In fact, soft drink consumption was linked to a lower likelihood of remaining healthy over time.
These findings highlight that the observed benefit appears to be specifically linked to caffeinated coffee, and not to other commonly consumed beverages.
Expert Perspectives
Dr. David Kao, associate professor at the University of Colorado (USA), highlighted the cultural relevance of coffee, noting that “coffee is an important and positive part of daily life in many cultures around the world. For many, knowing that one or three cups of coffee a day is probably not harmful is good news.”
For his part, Dr. Lu Qi, a professor at Tulane University in New Orleans (USA), warned that some people should moderate their coffee consumption, especially those with conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, anxiety, or sleep disorders.
Limitations and Context
The study, although rigorous, is observational, which limits its ability to establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship. The researchers caution that other, unanalyzed factors could influence the results. However, the findings are consistent with previous research that has explored the link between coffee consumption and health benefits, reinforcing the validity of the observations.
Recommendations for the Public
The results suggest that middle-aged women do not need to reduce their moderate coffee consumption to promote healthy aging.
However, experts emphasize the importance of considering individual health conditions before increasing or maintaining caffeine consumption. For those with specific health conditions, consulting a physician is essential.
This study, presented by Dr. Mahdavi and her team, provides a new perspective on the potential benefits of coffee, a beverage deeply rooted in the daily lives of many people, and suggests that moderate consumption could be an ally for healthy aging. (Source: Alma Plus TV)
