Study Shows Coffee Consumption May Slow Down Cellular Ageing – Expert Decodes

Many people prefer to start their day with a cup of coffee. Some like to have it during work hours, to keep drowsiness or sleep at bay. But coffee has become more than just a drink that keeps you awake. In fact, more and more studies and research have now shown how coffee has multiple other health benefits. One such recent study has stated that consuming three to four cups of coffee daily may help slow down cellular ageing in individuals struggling with schizophrenia and affective disorders. Yes, you read that right. If you want to know more about it, read ahead.

To get an expert view on this, the editorial team of OnlyMyHealth reached out to Dr Geetika Chopra, Celebrity Holistic Nutritionist.

What Is The New Study All About?

The study was published in BMJ Mental Health. The researchers studied whether different levels of daily coffee consumption were associated with a marker of cellular ageing in adults with severe mental disorders (SMD). Those who consumed moderate amounts of coffee daily showed the longest telomeres. The most evident statistically significant difference was noted between non-drinkers and those consuming three to four cups per day.

Dr Chopra shares her opinion about this study. She shares, “The findings are interesting and scientifically plausible. People with severe mental illness often experience higher oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, metabolic disturbances, and disrupted circadian rhythms, all of which accelerate biological ageing at a cellular level.”

Also Read: Daily Black Coffee: Side Effects of Having More Than 2 Cups in a Day

Can Coffee Really Slow Ageing? 

Can coffee actually slow down ageing in general? Our expert answers this for you.

“Coffee does not stop ageing, but it may be capable of slowing certain biological ageing processes. The antioxidants in coffee — especially chlorogenic acids — help neutralise free radicals that damage DNA and cells. Coffee has also been linked to improved mitochondrial function, reduced inflammation, and better insulin sensitivity, all of which are associated with healthier ageing. When consumed in moderation, coffee can support longevity-related pathways, but it works best as part of an overall healthy lifestyle, not as a standalone solution,” explains Dr Chopra.

Talking about the study, the expert adds, “Coffee contains polyphenols and antioxidants that help reduce oxidative damage and inflammation, which may explain its protective effect. While coffee is not a treatment for mental illness, moderate consumption could act as a supportive lifestyle factor that helps reduce cellular stress and ageing responses in vulnerable populations.”

Health Benefits And Side Effects Of Coffee

Moderate coffee consumption has been associated with multiple health benefits. On this note, Dr Chopra shares the health benefits of coffee:

• It enhances mental alertness and cognitive performance by stimulating the central nervous system.
• Coffee is rich in antioxidants. This helps combat oxidative stress and inflammation.
• Studies show links between coffee intake and lower risk of type 2 diabetes, certain neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, and liver diseases including fatty liver and cirrhosis.
• Coffee may also support mood, improve metabolic rate, and reduce the risk of certain cardiovascular conditions when consumed responsibly.

Let us take a look at some of the side effects of coffee, as shared by Dr Chopra:

• Excess coffee can overstimulate the nervous system due to its caffeine content.
• Common side effects include anxiety, palpitations, poor sleep quality, acidity, and digestive discomfort.
• In some individuals — especially women with hormonal imbalance or high cortisol— coffee can worsen stress response and fatigue if consumed at the wrong time.
• Overconsumption can also interfere with mineral absorption, such as iron.
• This is why dose, timing, and individual tolerance are critical when evaluating coffee’s health impact.

Tips To Consume Coffee The Right Way

Coffee, which is full of sugar, is not a healthy drink. So, to get the maximum benefits of coffee, you need to consume it the right way. Dr Chopra explains how.

“Some of the healthiest versions of coffee are black coffee, filtered coffee, or lightly brewed coffee without added sugar or artificial creamers. Avoid excessive sweeteners and flavored syrups, as they negate coffee’s metabolic benefits. Brewing methods like drip or French press preserve beneficial polyphenols. Ideally, coffee should be consumed mid-morning or early afternoon, not on an empty stomach and not late in the day, to avoid cortisol spikes and sleep disturbance. How you drink coffee matters just as much as how much you drink it,” shares the expert.

If you are wondering how many cups of coffee should one ideally consume for good health, our expert answers this as well. “For most healthy adults, 1–3 cups of coffee per day is generally safe and potentially beneficial. Benefits tend to plateau beyond this amount, while side effects increase. People who are sensitive to caffeine, have anxiety disorders, sleep issues, pregnancy, or hormonal imbalances may need to limit intake further. Coffee should not replace sleep, hydration, or proper nutrition,” concludes Dr Chopra.

Also Read: 7 Things to Know About Green Coffee for Weight Loss That Helped Sarfaraz Khan Drop 17 kilos in 2 Months

The Final Word

One recent study has stated that consuming three to four cups of coffee daily may help slow down cellular ageing in individuals, struggling with schizophrenia and affective disorders. While coffee is not a treatment for mental illness, moderate consumption could act as a supportive lifestyle factor that helps reduce cellular stress and ageing responses in vulnerable populations. In general, coffee has multiple health benefits – when consumed the correct way, without sugar or artificial creamers.