For many older women, the day begins with a familiar ritual: the kettle on or the coffee pot bubbling away. But new research suggests that what’s in your cup could be quietly influencing your bones as the years go by.
A large study from Flinders University has found that tea drinkers tend to have slightly stronger bones, while women who consume large amounts of coffee — more than five cups a day — may face a higher risk of bone loss. It’s not about panic or prohibition, researchers say, but about understanding how everyday choices shape long-term health.
The findings, published in the journal Nutrients, are based on a ten-year analysis of nearly 10,000 women aged 65 and above. Researchers tracked how much tea and coffee participants drank, while repeatedly measuring bone mineral density at the hip and femoral neck — two key areas linked to fractures and osteoporosis.
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Osteoporosis remains a major concern, affecting one in three women over the age of 50 and leading to millions of fractures worldwide each year. Because tea and coffee are consumed daily by billions of people, the research team set out to clarify whether these popular drinks help, harm or simply do nothing to ageing bones.
The results were quietly revealing. Women who regularly drank tea showed slightly higher bone density at the hip compared to those who didn’t. The difference wasn’t dramatic, but it was consistent and statistically meaningful. “Even small improvements in bone density can translate into fewer fractures when you look at large populations,” explains Adjunct Associate Professor Enwu Liu from Flinders University. Over a decade, those marginal gains could make a real difference to independence and quality of life.
Coffee told a more complicated story. Moderate consumption — around two to three cups a day — appeared harmless. But women who drank more than five cups daily showed lower bone density, particularly if they also had higher lifetime alcohol intake.
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Tea, coffee and more:
Researchers believe the answer may lie in chemistry as much as habit.
Tea contains catechins, natural compounds thought to encourage bone formation and slow bone breakdown. Coffee, on the other hand, contains caffeine, which laboratory studies suggest can slightly interfere with calcium absorption — though adding milk may offset some of that effect.
Interestingly, tea’s benefits appeared stronger among women with obesity, while heavy coffee’s downsides were more pronounced in women who drank more alcohol.
Why the story is important for older women:
- Tea showed a gentle but positive effect on bone density
- Moderate coffee caused no measurable harm
- Heavy coffee intake was linked to weaker bones
- Alcohol consumption increased coffee-related risk
- Small daily habits may matter over time
Adjunct Associate Professor Liu is quick to reassure that no one needs to abandon their morning brew. “Our results don’t mean you should give up coffee or start drinking tea by the gallon. But they do suggest that enjoying a daily cup of tea could be one simple way to support bone health as we age,” he says.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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