A new study published in the European Heart Journal reveals that individuals who drink coffee in the morning may experience a lower risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases and a reduced overall mortality risk compared to those who consume coffee throughout the day.
The research, led by Dr. Lu Qi, a distinguished professor at Tulane University’s Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in New Orleans, examined the relationship between coffee consumption timing and health outcomes in a large group of adults.
Study Overview
The study analyzed data from 40,725 adults who participated in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 1999 and 2018. Participants were asked about their food and drink consumption, including coffee habits, and the researchers linked this information to mortality records, spanning nine to ten years. The study group included 36% morning coffee drinkers (who consumed coffee primarily before midday), 16% all-day coffee drinkers (those who drank coffee at multiple times throughout the day), and 48% non-coffee drinkers.
In addition to the NHANES data, a subgroup of 1,463 individuals provided detailed food and drink diaries over a full week. This allowed the researchers to track the timing and quantity of coffee consumption and its impact on health.
Key Findings
Morning Coffee Drinkers: Individuals who drank coffee primarily in the morning were 16% less likely to die from any cause and 31% less likely to die from cardiovascular disease when compared to non-coffee drinkers.
All-Day Coffee Drinkers: In contrast, people who consumed coffee throughout the day did not experience a reduction in mortality risk or cardiovascular disease risk compared to non-coffee drinkers.
Impact of Consumption Volume: Morning coffee drinkers, whether they consumed one, two to three, or more than three cups a day, all showed improved health outcomes, with a more significant benefit for moderate to heavy drinkers. Light morning drinkers (one cup or less) showed a smaller decrease in mortality risk.
Possible Explanations
Dr. Qi hypothesized that the timing of coffee consumption could be crucial for its health benefits. Drinking coffee in the afternoon or evening might disrupt circadian rhythms and impact hormones like melatonin, which regulates sleep. Such disruptions could contribute to higher cardiovascular risks by increasing inflammation and blood pressure.
Dr. Qi emphasized that this study does not fully explain the mechanism behind the benefits of morning coffee but suggests that it is not just the amount of coffee consumed, but when it is consumed that matters. Further research is needed to explore these findings in other populations and to determine the impact of adjusting coffee consumption timing on health outcomes.
Editorial Commentary
In an editorial accompanying the study, Professor Thomas F. Lüscher of Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals in London expanded on the possible link between coffee consumption and circadian rhythms. He pointed out that morning coffee could align with the body’s natural rise in sympathetic activity upon waking, potentially enhancing its cardiovascular benefits. In contrast, drinking coffee later in the day could interfere with sleep patterns, suppress melatonin production, and contribute to disturbances in sympathetic activity, leading to health issues.
Professor Lüscher summarized: “Overall, we must accept the now substantial evidence that coffee drinking, particularly in the morning hours, is likely to be healthy. Thus, drink your coffee, but do so in the morning!”
Conclusion
This study adds to growing evidence that the timing of coffee consumption plays a critical role in its health benefits, particularly regarding heart health. While further research is necessary to fully understand the underlying mechanisms, the findings suggest that morning coffee drinkers enjoy a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases and overall mortality, making it a potentially valuable lifestyle choice for heart health.
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