Morning coffee may help you live longer, reduce cardiovascular disease risk

Fact checked

Morning coffee might do more than get you moving. It may also lower your risk of cardiovascular disease-related death. A fresh study shows timing your coffee can make a difference.

There’s something special about that morning cup of coffee. The smell is soothing. The warmth in your hands signals a new day. It turns out, this simple habit might have unexpected health benefits.

• The time of day you drink coffee can affect mortality risks, particularly heart disease.
• People drinking coffee primarily in the morning have a lower risk compared to non-coffee drinkers.
• It’s unclear why morning coffee offers these benefits. Experts suggest afternoon or evening coffee can disrupt sleep.

A novel study on coffee timing

This groundbreaking research from the Annals of Internal Medicine is the first to look at coffee drinking patterns. It focuses on the effect of drinking time on mortality rates. Coffee is famous for its health perks. It can lower the risk of many diseases and boost brain function. But it can also mess with your sleep and cause anxiety.

Past studies mainly looked at how much coffee we drink. This study shifts focus to the timing of our coffee habits.

”Drinking coffee in the morning shows a better beneficial relation than all-day drinking with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality,” the lead researcher explained.

The study breakdown

The study observed over 40,000 adults. They came from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and a smaller study called the Women’s and Men’s Lifestyle Validation Study.

Nearly half were non-coffee drinkers. Others were split into two groups based on when they drank coffee. About a third drank it all in the morning. The rest, just 16%, sipped coffee all day.

Morning coffee drinkers showed a significant reduction in death risks. For non-coffee drinkers, there was no such benefit.

During a decade of follow-up, morning coffee lovers had a 16% lower risk of all-cause mortality. Their cardiovascular death risk dropped by 31%. All-day drinkers saw no risk reductions.

A cardiologist noted our body follows a natural cycle of wake and sleep. Morning coffee fits this cycle. Afternoon or evening coffee can interrupt it.

Quantity matters too

How much coffee you drink in the morning matters. Two to three cups lowered heart disease death risk more than one cup.

The study also looked at cancer-related death risk. It found no links with coffee timing or amount.

Limitations to consider

Though promising, this study has flaws. Most morning coffee drinkers were white and had higher incomes. These findings might not apply to everyone.

A Stanford Medicine professor noted the study’s observational nature limits its value. Timing caffeine might not drastically change mortality risks.

The science behind the benefits

Why does coffee timing matter? The study didn’t explore this. Late coffee might mess with sleep, disrupt hormones like melatonin, and throw off circadian rhythms.

This matches earlier research on caffeine and sleep disturbances. Coffee even six hours before bed disrupts sleep.

What this means for coffee lovers

Morning coffee could be the way to go. If you’re a heavy coffee drinker, consider skipping that afternoon shot.

Experts advise moderation on these findings. It’s early to conclude drastic changes based on this study alone. Coffee is good for your health, but more research is needed.

The antioxidants in coffee reduce inflammation and boost insulin sensitivity. These may partly explain the heart benefits.

Upcoming research will dive deeper into how coffee timing can affect health outcomes.

FAQs

What are the health effects of coffee consumption?

Coffee’s health effects can be both good and bad. It’s linked to a lower risk of certain diseases and boosted brain function. The antioxidants in coffee fight inflammation and improve insulin response. However, coffee can also disrupt sleep and increase anxiety. Regular coffee drinkers should note how it affects them personally.

Is it better to drink coffee in the morning or evening?

Morning may be better. A new study suggests morning coffee drinkers have lower risks of heart disease and death compared to all-day drinkers. This aligns with the natural body clock. Drinking coffee later may mess with sleep and hormonal cycles. But, individual responses vary. Consider trying morning coffee for a week to see how it impacts your day and night. Experimenting safely with personal health routines is key.

Summary

This article explored a novel study on coffee timing and health, highlighting potential benefits of morning coffee. Remember, too much coffee can harm sleep and cause anxiety. Next, watch for more studies that will refine and expand on these findings. Adjust your coffee habits as needed and be mindful of how coffee impacts your life.