A recent study published on June 24, 2025, in the journal Microbial Cell has revealed surprising insights into the health effects of coffee—specifically how its widely touted anti-ageing benefits depend heavily on cellular context. Conducted by researchers at Queen Mary University of London, the study found that caffeine can help cells live longer and deal with stress—but only under the right internal conditions.
Coffee and Cell Longevity: What the Study Says
Using fission yeast—a single-celled organism with cellular mechanisms similar to human cells—researchers examined how caffeine interacts with stressed cells. When caffeine was introduced to nutrient-deprived yeast, it extended the cells’ lifespan even under normal conditions.
The researchers found that caffeine activated a cellular pathway known as AMPK, which helps cells respond to metabolic stress. However, this effect was dependent on the presence of two proteins—Ssp1 and Ssp2. Without these, caffeine had no anti-ageing effect.
The Caveat: When Caffeine Does More Harm Than Good
Despite these benefits, the study also discovered a major downside. If a cell already has damaged DNA, caffeine can actually worsen the condition by interfering with the cell’s repair mechanisms. Instead of healing, the cell fails to recover, which could accelerate damage.
In simple terms, caffeine’s effects are not one-size-fits-all. While it may support longevity and cell resilience in healthy cells, it may cause harm in already compromised ones.
Doctor’s Warning: Context Is Everything
Doctors have long cautioned against drinking coffee first thing in the morning due to its potential to increase stress and disrupt metabolism. This new research reinforces the idea that timing, dosage, and your body’s condition all play a crucial role in whether something is beneficial or harmful.
Why This Matters
This study highlights the importance of context in health and nutrition science. Foods or drinks marketed as “anti-ageing” may work for some but not for others, especially if underlying health conditions are ignored.
The takeaway? Know your body before you follow trends. Coffee may indeed be a powerful ally in ageing well—but only when the conditions are just right.