As people age, they tend to experience physical decline, including lost muscle mass, weakened organs, reduced mobility, and decreased mental focus. This can lead to increased risk of falls, hospitalization, and an earlier death. However, research suggests that moderate coffee consumption may be beneficial for maintaining strength as we age.
A recent study published in the European Journal of Nutrition analyzed data from 1,161 adults aged 55+ over a seven-year period. The findings indicate that regular coffee drinking (four to six cups per day) is linked to reduced risk of frailty.
The study used Fried’s five-component frailty phenotype model to evaluate participants’ physical health, focusing on traits such as unintentional weight loss, weakness, exhaustion, slow walking speed, and low physical activity. The results showed that moderate coffee consumption led to improvements in these areas, suggesting a potential reduction in frailty risk.
Coffee’s unique components may play a role in this benefit. Caffeine helps reduce fatigue and enhance alertness by acting as an “adenosine receptor antagonist.” Additionally, caffeine can improve muscle movement, supporting mobility and reducing weakness. Polyphenols, natural plant compounds found in coffee, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that ward off age-related muscle loss and support overall function.
Trigonelline, a lesser-known compound in coffee, may also sustain cognitive health and improve memory. While more research is needed to confirm the exact mechanisms behind coffee’s benefits, the study’s findings add weight to the growing evidence base linking certain dietary patterns and specific foods with functional health outcomes in older adults.
Source: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/diet/nutrition/over-60s-four-coffees-a-day