The findings emphasize that middle-aged people who regularly enjoyed coffee, black tea, or green tea faced a notably lower risk of becoming frail as they aged. Specifically, the participants who consumed at least four cups of coffee a day had a much smaller chance of encountering physical frailty compared to those who didn’t drink coffee daily.
Those who regularly sipped on black and green tea also had better odds when stacked against non-tea drinkers.
The researchers concluded that a higher caffeine intake, no matter its origin, is linked to a decreased likelihood of experiencing physical frailty. The researchers found the most compelling evidence in objective tests like handgrip strength and the TUG test rather than in self-reported indicators such as fatigue and weight loss.
Earlier research has indicated that caffeine has the power to boost muscle cell growth and increase muscle weight among mice. But it’s not just about caffeine; both coffee and tea are rich in bioactive polyphenols, which are renowned for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
These substances have been associated with a lower risk of conditions that can worsen frailty, including heart issues, diabetes, obesity, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Still, more research is needed to identify the exact compounds and mechanisms that explain the link between coffee, tea, and improved physical capabilities.
To read the study’s complete findings, which have since been published in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, visit the link here.
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