Coffee Slows Aging in Severe Mental Illness Patients

A significant study from King's College London indicates that moderate daily coffee consumption could help slow biological ageing for individuals living with severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia and major depressive disorder. The research observed that participants who drank between three to four cups of coffee per day exhibited longer telomeres, the protective caps on chromosomes that naturally shorten as people age.

This finding is particularly impactful given that severe mental illnesses are often associated with accelerated ageing and a reduced average life expectancy. The study revealed that the telomere length observed in 3-4 cup coffee drinkers was comparable to individuals who were biologically five years younger than non-coffee drinkers. However, consuming five or more cups daily did not yield the same benefit, with telomere lengths showing a decrease.

While the potential health benefits of coffee are becoming clearer, the cost of this daily ritual is also increasing. In September, the average price for a pound of ground coffee reached $9.14 in the U.S., marking a notable rise. This price increase, combined with factors like import tariffs, presents new challenges for coffee consumers.