A study of 4,780 female nurses published in June of 2016 in The Journal of Nutrition studied whether varying coffee or caffeine consumption levels are associated with DNA telomere length. Telomere length is a biomarker of aging, shorter telomere lengths are associated with aging and is accelerated by oxidative stress.
Coffee is an important source of antioxidants, and consumption of coffee is associated with lower mortality risk. Compared with non-coffee drinkers, the odds of having above-median telomere length were:
Those drinking 2 to 3 cups of coffee per day was 29%.
Those drinking 3 or more cups of coffee per day was 36%.
The study found that higher coffee consumption is associated with longer telomeres. Shorter telomeres have been associated with lower life expectancy and higher risks of age-related chronic diseases. Interestingly, the study did not find significant change in telomere length with decaffeinated coffee. However, it is not only the caffeine in coffee that is responsible for the positive effects. The decaffeination process not only lowers caffeine concentration but can also lower other antioxidants that form complexes with caffeine, such as polyphenols. These polyphenols and other compounds found in caffeinated coffee may be responsible for the association between coffee consumption and telomere length.
Dr. J’s Comment: Drink your coffee black for the most health benefits! AVOID SUGAR!!!