Two recent studies from Japan and the UK reveal unexpected effects of daily coffee consumption, suggesting that you might want to drink it every day—or at key moments.
1. Boosting Sprint Performance
The first study, published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, shows that taking caffeine before a 100-meter sprint can significantly improve athletic performance. Researchers describe this as a remarkable physical enhancement provided by caffeine—an easy, inexpensive, and safe substance to consume.
According to Medical Xpress, a team led by Professor Takeshi Hashimoto at Ritsumeikan University in Japan asked volunteers to consume either caffeine or a placebo before running, then compared their results with a previous 100-meter sprint.
In the caffeine group, sprint times improved by 0.14 seconds—a significant margin for a 100-meter dash. The effect was also evident in explosive acceleration phases under 10 meters and between 10–20 meters.
This finding highlights coffee—one of the most common sources of caffeine—as a readily available “sports drink” that can enhance blood flow and metabolism, improving nearly every type of physical activity.
2. Lowering the Risk of Hip Fractures in Women
The second study, conducted by researchers at the University of Leeds in the UK, examined dietary choices that could help women reduce their risk of hip fractures—a serious injury that can greatly impact quality of life, longevity, and is particularly common among older women.
Dr. James Webster’s team identified three key factors to strengthen bones and slow the progression of osteoporosis:
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Protein intake – Increasing protein by just 25 grams per day reduced the risk of hip fracture by 14%.
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Coffee and tea – Both beverages contain bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols and phytoestrogens, which may help maintain bone health.
Co-author Professor Janet Cade called this discovery particularly interesting, noting that coffee and tea are already beloved beverages with numerous other health benefits. The study was published in Clinical Nutrition.