Coffee and Muscle: New Research Shows Your Morning Cup Might Help Build Strength
For decades, coffee has been celebrated for its ability to boost alertness, focus, and even longevity. Now, a new study published in Frontiers in Nutrition (August 2024) reveals another potential benefit: drinking coffee is linked with increased skeletal muscle mass in U.S. adults.
The Study at a Glance
Researchers analyzed data from 8,333 adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2011 and 2018. Using DXA scans to measure appendicular lean mass (muscle in the arms and legs), they compared skeletal muscle mass against daily coffee and caffeine intake.
- Higher coffee consumption was consistently associated with greater muscle mass.
- The effect was strongest with caffeinated coffee and total caffeine intake.
- The relationship held true across age, gender, and ethnicity.
- The benefit disappeared in individuals with obesity (BMI ≥30).
In simple terms: people who drank more coffee tended to have more muscle, regardless of who they were—unless obesity was a factor.
Why Might Coffee Support Muscle Health?
The study didn’t prove cause and effect, but it highlighted several ways coffee may support lean muscle:
- Autophagy Boost – Coffee compounds help recycle damaged proteins and support healthy muscle tissue.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects – Coffee’s antioxidants may counteract chronic inflammation that breaks down muscle.
- Satellite Cell Activation – Coffee may stimulate muscle stem cells, encouraging growth and repair.
- Energy and Performance – Caffeine enhances metabolism and endurance, indirectly protecting muscle mass.
What This Means for You
Sarcopenia—the gradual loss of muscle mass with age—is a major health concern, affecting nearly 40% of adults over 80. If something as simple as drinking coffee can help slow this decline, it’s a powerful (and enjoyable) prevention tool.
The researchers concluded that “an appropriate increase in coffee intake may be advocated in populations at high risk for low skeletal muscle mass.” While more long-term studies are needed, coffee may prove to be an accessible lifestyle factor in supporting muscle health as we age.
Related Reads
- Exploring the Coffee Taster’s Flavor Wheel
- How to Choose the Right Beans for Your Brewing Method
- Single Origin vs. Blends: What’s the Difference?
Your morning cup might be doing more than waking you up—it could be helping you stay stronger, longer. Brew well, live well.
Looking to fuel your strength with better coffee? Explore our specialty blends, roasted fresh in Ormond Beach and crafted for flavor, freshness, and integrity.