BANGKOK, Thailand – Drinking one cup of coffee a day may be associated with a 20% lower risk of stroke, according to a Japanese study involving more than 82,000 adults. Other research has also linked moderate coffee consumption with a longer period of healthy life, although scientists caution that these findings do not prove coffee directly prevents disease or extends lifespan.
Published in the journal Stroke in 2013, the Japanese study followed 82,369 adults aged 45 to 74 for an average of 13 years. Researchers led by Yoshihiro Kokubo found that participants who drank one cup of coffee daily had a 20% lower risk of stroke than those who rarely or never drank it. Those consuming two or more cups a day also showed a lower risk, at approximately 19%.
A separate review published in Ageing Research Reviews in December 2024 found that moderate coffee consumption was associated with an estimated 1.8 additional years of healthspan, the period of life spent in good health. The findings also highlighted possible links between coffee consumption and lower risks of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and certain neurological conditions.
Coffee contains caffeine, which promotes alertness, as well as plant compounds such as polyphenols and chlorogenic acid. These compounds have antioxidant properties and are being studied for their potential effects on inflammation, metabolism and cardiovascular health.
However, researchers emphasize that the findings show associations rather than proof of cause and effect. Coffee alone cannot guarantee protection against stroke or a longer life.
For most healthy adults, the US Food and Drug Administration considers up to 400 milligrams of caffeine a day an amount generally not associated with dangerous side effects. Individual tolerance varies, and excessive intake can cause palpitations, anxiety, restlessness and sleep problems.
For a healthier coffee routine, experts recommend:
- Choosing black coffee or reducing added sugar and sweetened creamers.
- Keeping caffeine intake moderate and accounting for other caffeinated drinks.
- Avoiding coffee late in the day if it affects sleep.
- Choosing paper-filtered coffee, particularly for people with high cholesterol, as paper filters remove much of the cafestol that can raise LDL cholesterol.
- Seeking medical advice about caffeine limits during pregnancy or when managing certain health conditions. Pregnant women are generally advised to consume less than 200 milligrams of caffeine daily.
Ultimately, maintaining healthy blood pressure, controlling blood sugar and cholesterol, avoiding smoking and exercising regularly remain important ways to reduce stroke risk. Coffee can be part of a balanced lifestyle, but it should not replace proven preventive measures.
