Coffee lovers, especially those who enjoy their first cup in the morning, may have even more reason to celebrate. A new study of over 40,000 U.S. adults suggests that not only how much coffee you drink, but also when you drink it, plays a significant role in boosting longevity.
Potential Benefits of Morning Coffee:
- A 29% reduction in the risk of death from all causes for those drinking 2-3 cups each morning
- A 31% lower risk of dying from heart disease for morning coffee drinkers
- Morning coffee boosts the effectiveness of coffee’s anti-inflammatory properties
The study, published in the European Heart Journal, found that those who consume coffee in the morning—specifically between 4 a.m. and noon—are at a lower risk of dying from various causes, including heart disease. Researchers found that moderate coffee drinkers, particularly those who enjoy two to three cups each morning, experienced a 29% reduction in the risk of death from all causes compared to non-coffee drinkers.
Dr. Lu Qi, one of the lead researchers from Tulane University, explains, “Our findings show that it’s not just the amount of coffee we drink, but also the timing. Drinking coffee in the morning seems to offer the best health benefits, particularly for the heart.”
The study divided participants into two groups: those who drank coffee in the morning and those who consumed it throughout the day. The results revealed that morning coffee drinkers experienced a 31% lower risk of dying from heart disease. In contrast, those who spread their coffee intake throughout the day showed no significant reduction in mortality risk.
Moderate coffee drinkers (2-3 cups) had the most noticeable benefits, showing a 29% lower risk of death from any cause, compared to only a 15% reduction for those drinking one cup or less. Even those who drank more than three cups daily still showed a 21% lower risk, suggesting that drinking coffee in moderation is key to maximizing its health advantages.
What’s behind this morning coffee boost? Researchers believe two main factors are at play. First, drinking coffee later in the day may disrupt your body’s natural rhythms, especially by reducing melatonin production, which could counteract some of the benefits. Secondly, coffee’s anti-inflammatory properties seem to be most effective when consumed in the morning, as our bodies naturally experience higher levels of inflammation during this time.
While these findings are promising, the study does not prove that drinking coffee in the morning directly causes a longer life. However, the association between morning coffee and better health outcomes is strong, even when accounting for factors such as age, sex, smoking, and pre-existing health conditions.
So, next time you reach for your first cup of coffee, consider the timing. Enjoying it in the morning might not only fuel your day but could also help you live a longer, healthier life.
Read more:
- The Timing Of Your Coffee Could Impact Heart Health, Study Reveals
- Coffee And Tea May Help Prevent Head And Neck Cancers, Research Reveals
- Is Coffee A Secret Health Booster? New Research Shows It Might Be
