Drinking filtered coffee, as opposed to instant coffee, may contribute to a slower rate of biological aging, according to new research. The study found that individuals who consumed filtered coffee generally exhibited lower levels of biological age acceleration. Conversely, those who drank instant coffee showed higher levels.
The observed associations grew stronger with increased consumption, with the most significant effects noted in individuals drinking more than three cups daily. Researchers observed that filtered coffee was associated with decelerated biological aging, while instant coffee was linked to an accelerated risk of biological aging.
These differences may stem from the processing methods of coffee and their subsequent effects on inflammation and metabolism. Filtered coffee might retain higher concentrations of beneficial compounds like chlorogenic acid, which has been associated with anti-inflammatory and metabolic benefits. Variations in the compounds present and the processing techniques used for instant versus filtered coffee could explain these contrasting findings.
The analysis included health data from 49,414 adults, with an average age of 56. Researchers compared their coffee-drinking habits with DNA changes related to biological aging. The link between instant coffee and faster biological aging was particularly apparent in older participants, men, and current smokers.
According to the study's authors, the association between instant coffee and an increase in biological age was modest, ranging from approximately 0.1 to 0.2 years, suggesting a limited individual impact. However, the findings could hold broader public health implications for large populations.
Published in the journal npj Science of Food, the research is observational, meaning it cannot definitively prove that the type of coffee directly causes changes in aging. The authors also acknowledged that coffee-drinking habits often correlate with broader lifestyle and socioeconomic factors, which could influence the results.
In the United Kingdom, approximately 98 million cups of coffee are consumed daily, with the average coffee drinker consuming two to three cups per day, according to the British Coffee Association. Instant coffee is purchased by about 80 percent of UK households, with a notable portion of demand coming from individuals aged over 65.