The right time for women to drink coffee for longevity and healthy aging, according to Harvard researcher

Coffee isn’t just your go-to morning boost—it’s actually pretty good for you too! Packed with antioxidants, it can help protect your cells, improve brain function, and even lower the risk of certain diseases like Parkinson’s and type 2 diabetes. Plus, that caffeine kick? It boosts your energy, focus, and mood.

A study by Harvard researcher, Dr. Sara Mahdavi, women who drank caffeinated coffee in midlife were more likely to exhibit healthy aging. The findings of the study is based on almost 50,000 women followed for 30 years. The study will be presented at NUTRITION 2025, the flagship annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition held May 31–June 3 in Orlando.

The study looked at 47,513 women from the long-running Nurses' Health Study, tracking their diet and health all the way back to 1984. Researchers measured how much caffeine they were getting using detailed food questionnaires that covered common sources like coffee, tea, cola, and even decaf coffee. When they talked about "healthy aging," they meant living past 70 without any of 11 major chronic illnesses, staying physically active, mentally sharp, emotionally well, and having no serious memory issues. Basically, they were looking at how caffeine might play a role in helping women stay strong, sharp, and healthy as they age.

When is the right time to drink coffee?
The researcher found that having coffee in the morning hours has the power to keep women mentally strong and physically robust, the two key parameters for healthy living.

There’s something magical about that first cup of coffee in the morning. It’s not just about waking up; it’s like giving your body and brain a little jumpstart for the day. For most of us, that morning brew is more than a routine—it’s a tiny ritual that sets the tone.

First off, the caffeine in coffee helps boost alertness, focus, and mood. So if you’re feeling groggy or mentally foggy, that morning cup can help clear things up and make you feel more "on." It can also improve your reaction time and memory, which is handy whether you’re diving into work or just trying to remember where you left your phone.

Morning is also a good time to drink coffee because your body naturally starts waking up around then, and the caffeine pairs well with that natural rhythm—especially if you wait 30–60 minutes after waking to drink it. Plus, sipping it early means you’re less likely to mess with your sleep later on.

Coffee is packed with antioxidants, which help fight off cell damage and inflammation. Regular morning coffee drinkers have been linked to lower risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even some cancers. Not bad for a drink that tastes amazing, right?

And if you’re trying to stay fit, good news—coffee can slightly boost your metabolism and fat-burning ability, especially if you have it before a workout.

Just don’t go overboard with sugar and cream! So yeah, your daily cup (or two) can be more than a habit—it can be a healthy little ritual.