Your morning beverage might do more than just wake you up—it could also play a role in keeping your bones strong as you age.
According to a 10-year study led by researchers at Flinders University and published in Nutrients, drinking tea regularly is linked to slightly stronger bones in older women, while heavy coffee consumption may have the opposite effect.
Key Findings from the 10-Year Study
Researchers followed nearly 10,000 women aged 65 and older, tracking their daily beverage habits alongside regular measurements of their hip bone mineral density (BMD)—a primary indicator used to assess osteoporosis and fracture risks.
- A Slight Boost from Tea: Women who drank tea regularly maintained slightly higher hip bone density compared to non-tea drinkers. Researchers attribute this to catechins, antioxidant compounds abundant in tea that promote bone formation and slow natural bone breakdown.
- Moderate Coffee Is Safe: Drinking two to three cups of coffee a day showed no negative impact on bone density or overall bone health.
- Heavy Coffee Intake Weakened Bones: Women drinking more than five cups of coffee per day showed lower bone density over time. High caffeine levels can interfere with how the body absorbs calcium, though adding milk can help offset this effect.
- Lifestyle Factors Play a Role: The negative link between heavy coffee intake and lower bone density was stronger in women with higher lifetime alcohol consumption. Conversely, tea's positive effects were more pronounced among women with obesity.
What This Means for Your Routine
The researchers emphasize that the differences measured in bone density were modest, meaning there’s no need to abandon your morning coffee or make drastic changes to your diet.
While calcium and vitamin D remain the most critical foundations for strong bones, swapping an extra cup of coffee for a daily cup of tea offers a simple, comforting way to give your bones a little extra support as you age.
