Happy World Kindness Week! 💕 Kindness isn’t numeric. More good deeds do not make a person kinder. It’s the act of spreading generosity in whatever capacity 💫. And science says it supports longevity.
We’ll dive into kindness deeper. But first…☕ Does coffee increase your risk on the road?
Let’s go!
Spotlight
Does coffee make you a dangerous driver?
Caffeine can be magic on days when you need to be alert and focused. But too much can backfire when you get behind the wheel.
In a recent UK study 🇬🇧, almost half of 17- to 24-year-olds reported caffeine-related side effects while driving, writes The Independent.
Too much caffeine can even be linked to more crashes.
Longevity is more than biology 🌱
Given that car accidents are a leading cause of death globally, while an estimated 94% are caused by human error (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), this could have profound implications on human lifespan.
☕☕ Just two large coffees can put you at the upper safety limit (400 mg; American Medical Association), making you feel jittery, distracted, and restless, which all together affects driving performance… as in it diverts your attention from the road!
What’s more? Drivers who drink too much caffeine crash more, according to a 2020 study of truck drivers, published in the journal Safety Science. 🚛 According to the study, high caffeine intake is linked to:
🌀 Poor decision making: Drivers are “more prone to risky and aggressive driving.”
😴 Unhealthy habits: Interestingly, high caffeine drinkers exercised less, ate less healthy foods, and got poorer sleep.
You don’t need to give up your morning brew. For the two-thirds of Americans who drink coffee, moderate intake is safe and healthy. In fact, up to four small coffees have been linked to lower dementia risk. 🧠
💡 Pro tips:
Light exercise can burn off excess energy and jitters from too much caffeine. Good for your brain, and your driving.
Caffeine isn’t just in coffee! Don’t forget to account for natural energy drinks, tea, chocolate 🍫, and kombucha. It adds up.
Will we see you in San Francisco? | 🗓️ April 2026
The Livelong Women’s Health Summit is the first of its kind. Over two days, we are bringing together 75 of the world’s top experts in women’s health and human longevity. It goes beyond being an event. Taking place in one of the most forward-thinking cities in the world, you’ll be part of the future. Don’t wait. Use code ERIN for $50 off.
Wellness Watch
The Protein–Vitamin A Connection
Amino acids (the tiny building blocks of protein) aren’t just for muscles 💪. These overachievers are also essential for helping transport vitamin A, the nutrient abundant in carrots 🥕 that is credited with improving vision, immunity, and cellular health.
New research from Rutgers University, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), shows that being protein-deficient can limit how your body uses vitamin A.
Here’s how it works: Vitamin A needs fat to be absorbed, but proteins in your cells act like mail carriers 📦 that transport vitamin A to your eyes and other organs.
But, as researchers observed in a mouse model, a “healthy” diet that’s inadequate in dietary protein (or leucine, a specific amino acid) causes your liver to hoard that vitamin A instead of sending it where it’s needed.
Even chemotherapy 💊 can cause a similar problem, increasing the risk of vitamin A deficiency in cancer patients.
Why does this matter as we age?
Aging raises both the risk of cancer 🧬 and protein deficiency 🥩, which can disrupt vitamin A distribution to your cells.
Getting enough protein in your diet from fish, legumes, and other high-quality sources helps the protein in your cells continue to transport nutrients, while also supporting metabolism, skin, nails, and tissues.
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In Other News
🫘 Can your gut handle ‘BeanTok’?
Millions on TikTok are obsessed with #Beantok. Proponents swear that eating two cups of beans a day can curb food noise, improve anxiety, and even make you “hotter” 🔥, according to Fox News.
Despite the risk of bloat, cramping, and indigestion from all that fiber,💨 gut expert Will Bulsiewicz says “America would be much more healthy if we all did this.”
But it doesn’t necessarily take two cups to get the benefits. Just three tablespoons a week could lower colorectal cancer risk by 21%, while eating beans regularly can lower the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other types of cancer.
Top bean picks, per The Times:
Chickpeas → bones 🦴
Black beans → blood sugar 💉
Kidney beans → blood pressure 💓
Edamame → hot flashes 🌡️
Fava beans → protein boost 🧱
‼️ RECIPE CALL-OUT: What’s your favorite dish that includes beans? Respond to this newsletter and send us your recipe. We may share it in an upcoming edition!
The Brief
⏰ When should you eat breakfast? What new insights suggest about syncing metabolism and biology to delay signs of aging.
💍 216 years: With a combined age of 216 years, Eleanor and Lyle Gittens are celebrating 83 years of marriage. Their secret to a long marriage? It’s surprisingly simple.
⚡ Supercharged cells: The amino acid that optimizes energy production in your cells.
We started a WhatsApp group for our female readers to connect, share tips, and learn how to simplify and take action to promote women’s health. We’d love for you to join us! Join the Livelong Woman WhatsApp group
Long-levity
Don’t be nice. Be kind
The world needs more niceness and kindness 💕. But if you have to choose, let it be kindness. It could add years to your life 🌞.
Nice vs. Kind
Niceness is reactive. It’s non-sacrificial, polite, and civil — but transactional. That’s why it “rarely makes a lasting difference,” says Houston Kraft, author of Deep Kindness, in Huff Post 📘.
Kindness, on the other hand, is proactive and sacrificial. Kindness is choosing to care deeply for others. To see them as connected to you. Worthy of genuine generosity 🌎.
Your brain likes to be kind. Kindness lights up your brain’s reward center, lowers stress, and lifts happiness and self-worth 🌼. It protects your heart, lowers blood pressure, and supports mental and physical health for longevity.
Try one of these Masterclass-inspired daily practices:
🌸 Gratitude: List three things you’re thankful for every night.
🔍 ID your biases: Unearth unconscious judgments for self-discovery and growth.
💬 Self-compassion: Speak to yourself like you would a friend.
Longevity We’re Loving
YOUR WEALTH, YOUR HEALTH: Does income impact lifespan? Read more.
CAN STRESS GIVE YOU AN ANEURYSM? Stress can indirectly contribute to brain aneurysms, but it’s not so black and white. Read more.
THE FDA CHANGED THE DEFINITION OF ‘HEALTHY’: Nutrition scientist Anna Benevente breaks down what it means for you. Watch more.
Poll response
We asked, you answered:
What superfoods are in your diet?
Blueberries are the top superfood among Livelong readers. The skin is rich in anthocyanins (a fancy name for the antioxidant that makes them blue!), which combat cellular damage and stress.
Thanks for reading!
The information provided about wellness and health is for general informational and educational purposes only. We are not licensed medical professionals, and the content here should not be considered medical advice. Talk to a doctor before trying any of these suggestions.
