Exploring What is the New Research on Drinking Coffee?

December 23, 2025 •

3 min read

According to recent studies presented at the American Society for Nutrition's 2025 conference, women who drank moderate amounts of caffeinated coffee in midlife were more likely to experience healthy aging years later. This adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting coffee offers wide-ranging health benefits beyond its stimulating effects.

Quick Summary

Recent studies reveal drinking coffee can benefit gut health by promoting beneficial bacteria and that morning consumption is linked to better heart health and longevity. Findings also suggest coffee supports healthy aging, especially in women, and that many benefits extend to decaf drinkers as well.

Key Points

Morning Timing is Key: Studies suggest that consuming coffee primarily in the morning may offer the most significant heart health and longevity benefits, potentially due to its interaction with circadian rhythms and inflammation.
Gut Health Booster: New research has identified a direct link between drinking coffee and a healthier gut microbiome, specifically an increase in the beneficial bacteria Lawsonibacter asaccharolyticus.
Healthy Aging in Women: A 30-year study found that women who drank caffeinated coffee in midlife were more likely to age healthily, maintaining cognitive, mental, and physical function later in life.
Decaf Offers Many Benefits: Many of coffee's protective effects, like antioxidant and liver support, are also present in decaffeinated versions, making it a viable option for those sensitive to caffeine.
Avoid Evening Consumption: To prevent sleep disruption, experts recommend cutting off caffeine intake at least 6-8 hours before bedtime, with decaf being a preferred alternative in the afternoon or evening.
Moderate Intake is Best: The sweet spot for moderate consumption, linked to various health benefits, appears to be around 3-5 cups per day for most adults.

New Revelations on Coffee and Gut Health

Recent research published in Nature Microbiology in late 2024 has shown a connection between regular coffee consumption and a more diverse, healthier gut microbiome. A study involving over 22,000 participants indicated that coffee drinkers had higher levels of the beneficial bacterium Lawsonibacter asaccharolyticus. This effect was seen with both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, suggesting non-caffeine compounds, like polyphenols such as chlorogenic acid, act as prebiotics to support these microbes. This process may contribute to some of coffee's observed health benefits, including a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.

The Optimal Timing for Your Daily Brew

A study in the European Heart Journal in early 2025 suggested that the time of day coffee is consumed might affect cardiovascular health. Researchers found that limiting coffee intake to the morning (between 4 a.m. and noon) was associated with a lower risk of mortality from all causes and cardiovascular disease. Possible reasons include:

Circadian Rhythms: Drinking coffee later in the day can disrupt sleep by suppressing melatonin, which is linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
Inflammation: Coffee's anti-inflammatory effects might be most beneficial when consumed in the morning when inflammation markers can be higher.
Cortisol Levels: Consuming caffeine when cortisol is naturally high shortly after waking could increase anxiety. Waiting 1-3 hours after waking is suggested.

Coffee and Longevity: Focus on Healthy Aging

Further research presented at the Nutrition 2025 conference indicated that moderate caffeinated coffee consumption during midlife was associated with a higher likelihood of healthy aging in women. The 30-year study defined healthy aging as living to at least 70 without major chronic diseases, cognitive decline, physical disability, or mental health issues. Each additional cup of coffee, up to about five daily, showed a positive link to healthy aging. This effect was not observed with decaf coffee or tea, pointing to caffeine's potential role in this outcome. The study controlled for many lifestyle factors, supporting coffee's potential role in long-term health, particularly for women during midlife.

Caffeinated vs. Decaffeinated: What Does Research Show?

Many health benefits of coffee stem from compounds other than caffeine, such as antioxidants and polyphenols, which are present in both caffeinated and decaffeinated varieties. This means benefits like reduced risk of liver disease and type 2 diabetes are seen with both. However, some differences exist, making one type potentially better for certain individuals. Read a detailed overview from the National Institutes of Health.

Comparison of Caffeinated vs. Decaffeinated Coffee


Feature	Caffeinated Coffee	Decaffeinated Coffee
Key Active Compound	Caffeine & Antioxidants	Antioxidants (less caffeine)
Energy/Alertness	Strong, immediate boost	Minimal/No stimulation
Effect on Sleep	Can disrupt sleep if consumed late	No impact on sleep patterns
Heart Rhythm	May worsen anxiety-related palpitations in sensitive individuals	Better choice for those sensitive to caffeine
Digestive Impact	Can increase stomach acid, potentially worsening reflux	Often gentler on sensitive stomachs and digestion
Neurological Benefit	May offer stronger protection against Parkinson's disease	Offers brain-protective benefits without caffeine side effects
Best For	Those seeking a mental boost without caffeine sensitivity	Pregnant women, anxiety-prone individuals, or those with sensitive stomachs

Conclusion: How to Apply the New Research to Your Daily Routine

The latest research suggests moderate coffee consumption can be a positive part of a healthy lifestyle, offering benefits for gut health, healthy aging, and heart health. Consuming 3-5 cups daily appears beneficial for most healthy adults. Paying attention to when you drink coffee is also important. Morning consumption is linked to better heart health, while avoiding caffeine in the evening can protect sleep. Considering decaf later in the day is a simple adjustment based on recent findings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recent research published in Nature Microbiology found that regular coffee consumption is associated with a greater abundance of the beneficial gut bacterium Lawsonibacter asaccharolyticus. This discovery highlights coffee's potential as a prebiotic through its polyphenol compounds.

Yes, a 2025 study in the European Heart Journal suggests that drinking coffee predominantly in the morning (before noon) is associated with a lower risk of death from heart disease and other causes, likely due to a more positive interaction with the body's natural circadian rhythms.

Decaf coffee retains many of the health benefits found in regular coffee, such as antioxidant and liver protection, because these are derived from non-caffeine compounds. However, some studies suggest that caffeinated coffee may offer unique benefits, like enhanced protection against Parkinson's.

A 2025 study tracking women over 30 years found that moderate caffeinated coffee consumption in midlife was linked to healthier aging, including better cognitive, mental, and physical function into older age.

For most healthy adults, moderate coffee intake is typically defined as 3 to 5 cups per day, which is generally considered safe and linked to numerous health benefits.

Yes, because caffeine has a long half-life, consuming caffeinated coffee in the afternoon or evening can disrupt your sleep patterns. For better sleep hygiene, experts recommend cutting off your caffeine intake at least 6-8 hours before your planned bedtime.

Excessive caffeine consumption can lead to side effects such as anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and increased heart rate, especially for individuals with caffeine sensitivity or anxiety disorders. It is important to listen to your body and moderate your intake.