Summarised by Centrist
A study, published in the European Heart Journal, led by Dr Lu Qi of Tulane University reveals that drinking coffee only in the morning may significantly reduce the risk of death from all causes, particularly heart disease.
The findings, based on data from over 40,000 US adults, suggest that the timing of coffee consumption is as important as quantity when it comes to longevity.
Morning coffee drinkers showed a 16% lower risk of death from all causes and a 31% lower risk of death from heart disease compared to non-coffee drinkers. Those consuming 2–3 cups daily experienced the most substantial benefits, with a 29% reduction in all-cause mortality and a 48% reduction in cardiovascular mortality. In contrast, people who drank coffee throughout the day saw no significant improvement in mortality risk.
“This is the first study testing coffee drinking timing patterns and health outcomes,” Dr Qi noted, adding that the research underscores the importance of circadian rhythms in dietary habits.
Researchers propose that morning coffee optimises health benefits due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which align with the body’s higher morning inflammatory activity. Meanwhile, drinking coffee later in the day might disrupt melatonin production, harming cardiovascular health.
Although the study’s observational nature prevents direct causation claims, the findings remained robust after accounting for factors like age, income, and health conditions. “Perhaps we should be thinking about the timing of coffee in our dietary guidance,” Qi suggested.
