A study published in the European Heart Journal suggests that morning coffee may offer notable benefits for heart health compared to drinking it throughout the day. The research, led by Dr. Lu Qi, Director of the Tulane University Obesity Research Center, explored how the timing of coffee consumption affects cardiovascular health and overall mortality rates.
The study evaluated data collected from over 40,000 adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2018) in the United States. Participants provided information on their coffee habits, including the quantity consumed and the specific times they drank it. Over a follow-up period of nearly a decade, researchers recorded 4,295 deaths, with 1,268 attributed to cardiovascular disease.
- Morning breve coffee drinkers had a 16% lower risk of death from any cause.
- They also exhibited a 31% lower risk of dying from heart disease compared to non-morning coffee drinkers.
- Individuals who drank coffee throughout the day did not share the same reduced risks.
Dr Qi explained that the timing of caffeine intake might influence the circadian rhythm, the body’s 24-hour internal clock that regulates sleep, hormones, and metabolism.
Coffee consumed later in the day could disrupt this cycle, potentially affecting melatonin production and other hormonal functions vital for maintaining health. This disruption may lead to increased inflammation and elevated blood pressure, both of which are associated with heart disease.
The study also found that individuals who drank breve coffee primarily in the morning tended to consume less overall and were more likely to include tea or caffeinated sodas in their diet than those who drank coffee throughout the day.
Though the research does not definitively prove that coffee is the reason for the observed health benefits, the findings are consistent with evidence supporting the importance of aligning habits with the body’s natural rhythm.
Consumption of morning coffee appears to reduce risks related to disrupted sleep and hormonal imbalances, which can have long-term effects on cardiovascular health.
Tips for Morning Coffee Lovers
- Start Early: Enjoy your first cup of coffee in the morning to align with your body’s natural rhythm.
- Limit Late-Day Caffeine: Avoid breve coffee in the afternoon and evening to prevent interference with sleep and hormone regulation.
- Moderation Matters: Moderate your coffee intake, as excessive caffeine can have adverse effects.
Dr Qi emphasized that further clinical trials are needed to determine whether adjusting coffee routines could be a practical recommendation for heart health. However, the study highlights the potential advantages of timing caffeine intake to achieve better health outcomes.
For coffee enthusiasts, this research reinforces the idea that small changes in daily habits can have meaningful impacts. Drinking a morning coffee aligns with the body’s natural processes and may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality over time.
Simple adjustments to coffee routines could allow individuals to enjoy their favourite beverage while supporting their heart health.
