You don't have to drink coffee to get its anti-aging benefits
Around a quarter of Americans say they never drink coffee, and about 26 million drink decaf every day. That means tens of millions of folks may think they're missing out on coffee's amazing anti-inflammatory and anti-aging benefits. Those include protecting cells (especially liver cells) from stress and damage, boosting heart health and even fighting some cancers and Type 2 diabetes -- reducing its onset by 29%. They're not.
According to a study published in Nutrients, one of the most beneficial components of coffee, caffeic acid, activates a receptor (NR4A1) that helps protect cells -- and your health. And the researchers suggest that it's caffeic acid (and related phenols), not caffeine, that's the main source of coffee's protective effects. The good news for non-coffee drinkers? It shows up in lots of vegetables, fruits, seeds and oils and seems to be far more active when ingested from those sources than from coffee.
The best sources of caffeic acid include apples, pears, blueberries, strawberries, cranberries, and prunes. And it's in good supply in artichokes, spinach, cabbage, broccoli, thyme, sage, sunflower seeds and extra-virgin olive oil. Plus: These plant-based foods also deliver two important nutrients that coffee provides: magnesium and potassium.
But this may be only one of coffee's beneficial effects -- so if you enjoy coffee, keep having 4 to 6 cups daily. That may offer health benefits while it helps build your posse when shared with friends. To discover even more anti-aging benefits from the foods you eat, preorder my upcoming book "YOU: Getting Older: The Owner's Manual for Your Golden Years."
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at drmikerealage@gmail.com.
(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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