For many, coffee is more than just a morning pick-me-up—it’s a cherished routine. But new research suggests that when you drink your coffee might be just as important as how much you drink, especially when it comes to your long-term health.
Published on January 8, 2025, in the European Heart Journal, a new study found that drinking coffee exclusively in the morning is associated with a 16% lower risk of premature death and a 31% reduced risk of dying from cardiovascular disease compared to non-coffee drinkers. These findings are the result of an analysis of data from over 40,000 adults, collected between 1999 and 2018.
Key Takeaways:
Morning coffee intake is key: Drinking coffee only in the morning was linked to a reduced risk of premature death and heart disease.
Timing matters more than amount: The timing of coffee consumption was found to be more important than the amount consumed. Drinking coffee throughout the day did not show significant health benefits.
No effect from caffeine vs. decaf: Whether participants consumed caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee did not change the results.
The Study
Dr. Lu Qi, a professor of public health at Tulane University and lead author of the study, noted that this is the first research of its kind to examine the effects of coffee drinking timing on health outcomes. Previous dietary guidelines have typically focused on the amount of coffee consumed, but this study suggests that the timing may also play a critical role.
The study categorized coffee consumption into three main timeframes:
- Morning: From 4 a.m. to 11:59 a.m.
- Afternoon: From 12 p.m. to 4:59 p.m.
- Evening: From 5 p.m. to 3:59 a.m.
Researchers found that those who drank coffee exclusively in the morning had the most significant health benefits, experiencing lower rates of premature death and heart disease. On the other hand, individuals who consumed coffee at various times throughout the day did not show these same advantages.
Why Does Timing Matter?
The study’s findings suggest that the timing of coffee intake could influence circadian rhythms and hormonal balance, both of which are crucial for health. Coffee consumed later in the day could interfere with melatonin production—a hormone that helps regulate sleep and plays a role in heart health.
Dr. Qi and his colleagues suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of coffee may be most beneficial when consumed in the morning, when certain inflammatory markers in the body are at their peak. This aligns with the idea that our bodies operate on internal clocks, which coffee may help regulate when consumed at the right time.
What This Means for Coffee Drinkers
The key takeaway from the study is that morning coffee could offer more health benefits than previously realized, particularly for longevity and heart health. However, it’s important to note that this study was observational, meaning it cannot definitively prove cause and effect. Experts, such as dietitian Vanessa King, suggest that while the study provides intriguing insights, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
So, if you’re a coffee lover looking for health benefits, you might want to consider reserving your coffee habit for the morning hours and avoid that afternoon or evening cup.
The Bottom Line
Drinking coffee in the morning, rather than throughout the day, could help improve longevity and heart health. While the study’s findings are promising, they don’t establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Still, it’s worth considering the timing of your coffee consumption for potential health benefits.
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