Most of us already rely heavily on a cup of joe in the morning to wake us up — but now, research suggests our beloved morning coffee cup does more than just keep us awake. Many studies have already linked caffeine to improved health outcomes, but a new study has now examined exactly how caffeine can influence human cells. A new study published in Microbial Cell from the Cellular Ageing and Senescence Laboratory at Queen Mary University of London, found that consuming caffeine can actually alter how cells progress through their life cycle and respond to damage.
So, what does this mean for coffee drinks? Well, in simple terms, the new research suggests that caffeine could interact with a “sensor” system (AMPK), which could impact how cells divide, improving stress resistance and holding the potential to extend cell lifespan. While more research is needed, this interesting research suggests humans may have a “longevity switch” that could be supported by consuming caffeine.
Since we already know that moderate coffee intake can be linked to a lower risk of some diseases, like Type 2 Diabetes, this new research suggests that consuming caffeine could be working by activating an ancient energy-management system. It’s always important to consume caffeine in moderation, as consuming too much can have opposite, adverse effects. Over time, more research on coffee/caffeine and AMPK may be able to tell us more about longevity.
