Reduced Risk of Frailty with 4 to 6 Cups of Coffee a Day
"Coffee Contributes to Healthy Aging"
A study has found that coffee consumption is associated with a reduced risk of frailty in the elderly. In particular, drinking four or more cups of coffee per day was significantly linked to a lower probability of developing frailty compared to not drinking coffee at all.
Recently, a research team from the Amsterdam University Medical Centers in the Netherlands tracked 1,161 adults aged 55 and older over a period of seven years to analyze the relationship between coffee intake and the risk of frailty.
The researchers classified study participants into five groups based on their daily coffee consumption: none, 0?2 cups, 2?4 cups, 4?6 cups, and more than 6 cups.
The presence of frailty was evaluated using five criteria: weight loss, muscle weakness, fatigue, slow walking speed, and low physical activity. Frailty is a concept distinct from aging, which simply refers to the decline in physical ability due to age; it describes a vulnerable state characterized by reduced function and adaptability of multiple bodily systems.
According to the results, the risk of frailty in the group drinking 4?6 cups of coffee per day was 64% lower than in the group drinking 0?2 cups. The group consuming more than 6 cups also had a 63% lower risk. In addition, the group drinking 2?4 cups per day had a 59% lower incidence of frailty after seven years compared to the 0?2 cups group. Higher coffee intake was also associated with improvements in muscle strength (grip strength) and reduced weight loss.
This association was also observed in the group that drank only decaffeinated coffee. The researchers noted that, although the size of this group was small and further studies are needed to confirm the relationship, the findings suggest that substances such as polyphenols and chlorogenic acid, in addition to caffeine, may be beneficial.
Previous studies have also linked coffee consumption to reduced risk of age-related symptoms, such as improved cognitive function and decreased inflammatory diseases. This study further revealed the long-term effects and benefits of regular coffee intake.
Margriet Oltrop, Associate Professor at the Amsterdam University Medical Centers, who led the study, stated, "This research shows a potentially beneficial association between daily coffee consumption and a reduced risk of frailty in older adults. While coffee consumption may contribute to healthy aging, further research on other nutritional interventions is also important to help older adults maintain a satisfactory quality of life."
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