Coffee may slow ageing, but only when you drink the ‘right’ amount, study finds

By Admin

09 Dec, 2025

Coffee is more than just a morning ritual for millions of people worldwide. Whether it’s to feel alert, energized, or simply comforted, this beloved beverage continues to be an essential part of daily routines. But now, a new study suggests that coffee may offer an additional benefit slowing biological ageing especially for individuals living with serious mental illnesses. The catch? It only works when consumed in moderation.

Coffee Linked to Slower Ageing in People With Mental Illness
Researchers from King’s College London have discovered that drinking up to four cups of coffee a day may help slow down cellular ageing in people with conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and psychotic depression. The study focused on telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that naturally shorten as we age. Shorter telomeres indicate accelerated biological ageing, and people with severe mental illnesses tend to have significantly shorter telomeres due to inflammation and oxidative stress.

In this study of nearly 500 adults, those who consumed three to four cups of coffee daily had telomeres similar to someone about five years younger than those who drank none. This indicates that moderate coffee intake may help protect cells and slow ageing in this vulnerable group.

Study Findings Show Strong Benefits But Only in Moderation
Published in the journal BMJ Mental Health, the study found no benefits for individuals consuming more than four cups of coffee a day. In fact, excessive caffeine intake was linked to greater cellular stress counteracting the potential positive effects. These findings align closely with the US FDA’s recommendation of limiting caffeine consumption to around 400 milligrams daily, roughly equivalent to four cups of brewed coffee.

Why Coffee May Help Slow Biological Ageing
Dr Vid Mlakar, the lead author of the study, explained that although coffee is widely known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, its effects on people with severe mental illness had not been thoroughly researched. Since this group often experiences faster biological ageing due to inflammation and oxidative stress, researchers believe that coffee’s bioactive compounds may help protect telomeres from damage.

Dr Monica Aas, a research fellow at King’s College London, added that while too much coffee can disrupt sleep and impact overall health, moderate consumption appears beneficial for protecting cellular health and slowing ageing.

Risks of Excessive Caffeine Consumption
While moderate coffee consumption may support healthier ageing, too much caffeine can lead to unwanted side effects. These may include:

• Restlessness and anxiety
• Sleep disturbances
• Stomach discomfort
• Rapid heartbeat
• Headaches
• Muscle tremors
• Frequent urination

In rare cases, caffeine overdose can cause confusion, nausea, seizures, and dangerous spikes in heart rate or blood pressure. This makes it essential to pay attention to how your body responds and avoid excessive intake.

The Bottom Line
Coffee can be a powerful beverage with meaningful health benefits but only when consumed mindfully. While moderate coffee intake may help slow biological ageing, especially for people with mental health conditions, excessive caffeine can do more harm than good. It is not a substitute for medication or professional treatment, and individuals should always follow medical advice for managing their health.

Disclaimer: Always consult a doctor before starting any diet or fitness routine. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.