A recent study in BMJ Mental Health indicates that drinking coffee in moderation could help slow biological aging among people with severe mental health conditions. Researchers observed that consuming up to four cups per day was linked to longer telomeres, a key marker of cellular aging and longevity.
Notably, the findings suggest that moderate coffee intake may correspond to about five additional biological years compared with non-coffee drinkers.
The Role of Telomeres in Aging and Mental Health
Telomeres are protective structures at the ends of chromosomes, similar to the plastic tips on shoelaces that keep DNA from unraveling. While telomeres naturally shorten with age, this process tends to happen faster in individuals with serious psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, psychosis, and bipolar disorder.
The researchers analyzed data from 436 adults involved in a Norwegian study, assessing telomere length in their white blood cells.
The findings revealed a distinct J-shaped relationship, showing that coffee’s benefits appear only up to a specific level of consumption.
Read the original article on: Terra
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