Authored by Vance Voetberg via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours),
From the daily dose of caffeine from popular beverages like Starbucks, Red Bull, and Coke to the routine pick-me-up for 75 percent of Americans, it has become the fuel that keeps us going. Many rely on caffeine as the key to jumpstarting their brains and bodies for a productive day.
However, recent research suggests that not all caffeine is created equal, with synthetic caffeine potentially speeding up the aging process while naturally occurring caffeine could have anti-aging properties.
Is Synthetic Caffeine a Culprit in Accelerated Aging?
The source of caffeine in your favorite pick-me-up could impact its potential to combat aging.
Approximately 60 percent of the caffeine consumed in the U.S. is artificially produced in laboratories, rather than being derived from natural sources like coffee beans or tea leaves. Synthetic caffeine is what major companies such as Pepsi, Coke, and Red Bull add to their products for that extra boost.
A study published in Nutrition & Metabolism in 2017 found that higher caffeine intake was linked to shorter telomeres, a sign of cellular aging, in adults. On the other hand, increased coffee consumption was associated with longer telomeres, indicating that other compounds in coffee may offer anti-aging benefits beyond just caffeine.
“At first glance, it may seem that caffeine intake and coffee consumption are essentially the same thing,” the researchers noted. “But they are not.”
These findings align with earlier research showing that higher coffee consumption was linked to longer telomeres among a group of 4,780 female nurses in the U.K.
However, a 2023 study published in Nutrients revealed that instant coffee was negatively associated with telomere length, possibly due to its higher lead content, which can cause DNA damage. In contrast, standard filtered coffee showed no adverse effects.
Studies also suggest that green tea may help prevent telomere shortening, while synthetic caffeine could potentially cause DNA damage. In a study comparing green tea, coffee, and caffeine from soft drinks, researchers found evidence that could influence beverage choices.
“We propose beneficial effects of green tea consumption and potentially harmful effects of soft drink consumption on LTL [leukocyte telomere length] shortening, which could reflect accelerated biological aging,” they concluded.
The Anti-Aging Properties of Coffee and Tea
Various antioxidant compounds present in coffee and tea likely contribute to their anti-aging effects, as indicated by several studies.
Research demonstrates that coffee and tea can help protect DNA integrity and reduce oxidative damage. In a randomized controlled trial involving 50 men and 50 women, dark roast coffee reduced DNA damage by 23 percent in just four weeks. Similar results were observed in an eight-week intervention study with 96 participants.
“The caffeine found in coffee or tea exists alongside over 1,000 other chemical compounds, particularly polyphenolic compounds with strong antioxidant properties,” explained David Wiss, a public health doctor and registered dietitian nutritionist. Polyphenols are known to reduce oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals that can harm cells, he added, noting that both coffee and tea offer anti-inflammatory benefits that isolated caffeine lacks.
While coffee and tea have shown protective effects against neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, research indicates that isolated caffeine may not provide the same level of protection against neurodegeneration. In fact, coffee could be the superior caffeine source for safeguarding against Alzheimer’s due to a component that synergizes with caffeine to enhance defense against disease progression.
Setting Limits on Caffeine Consumption
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises individuals to limit their caffeine intake to no more than 400 milligrams per day, equivalent to about four to five cups of coffee.
While naturally caffeinated foods like chocolate contain around 12 milligrams of caffeine, and beverages like coffee and tea offer up to 95 milligrams of natural caffeine per serving, energy drinks can pack as much as 300 milligrams of synthetic caffeine per serving.
This surge in caffeine content has been linked to heart attacks in young individuals, although some studies suggest that coffee and tea may have protective effects on heart health.
Despite the reported benefits of coffee and tea, experts caution against excess consumption.
The prevalent reliance on caffeine, whether natural or synthetic, in the U.S. points to an “addiction crisis” that warrants attention, according to Mr. Wiss. “Our society’s dependence on caffeine as a stimulant is concerning,” he noted.
He recommends having breakfast before consuming caffeine and waiting at least 60 to 90 minutes after waking up before indulging in caffeinated beverages or other sources of caffeine.
“I also suggest taking a break from caffeine for three days or more every three to six months,” he added.
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following sentence:
The dog ran quickly through the park.
The dog raced through the park with speed.