Daily coffee drinking linked to major health benefit in women as they age, study finds

Daily coffee drinking linked to major health benefit in women as they age, study finds

Harvard research shows benefits of caffeinated coffee versus decaf, tea or soda

Drinking coffee every morning could help women stay mentally sharp and physically strong later in life, according to a new study. (iStock)

The benefits were seen in middle-aged women who drank caffeinated coffee. Decaf coffee and tea did not have the same effect. (iStock)

Despite coffee's potential benefits, regular exercise and not smoking are the "most powerful and proven contributors" to healthy aging, the researcher said. (iStock)

"The findings suggest that caffeinated coffee … may uniquely support aging trajectories that preserve both mental and physical function," the researcher said. (iStock)