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Drinking coffee in the morning may be more beneficial for your health than enjoying it throughout the day, according to a recent study published in the European Heart Journal. The research, which examined the coffee habits of over 40,000 adults, suggests that the timing of your coffee consumption could significantly impact both heart health and overall longevity.
The study, led by Dr. Lu Qi, a professor at Tulane University’s School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, reveals that people who drink coffee primarily in the morning have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a longer life expectancy compared to those who drink coffee throughout the day. “Our findings highlight that it’s not just about how much coffee you drink, but when you drink it,” Dr. Qi explained.
Study Overview and Key Findings
The study tracked the coffee consumption patterns of 40,725 adults who participated in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 1999 and 2018. Participants were asked about their coffee habits, including the timing of consumption, and their health outcomes were monitored for a period of 9 to 10 years.
The research found that 36% of participants drank coffee mostly in the morning, 16% consumed it throughout the day, and 48% did not drink coffee. Compared to non-coffee drinkers, morning coffee drinkers had a 16% lower risk of dying from any cause and a 31% reduced risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. However, drinking coffee throughout the day did not show similar health benefits.
Morning coffee drinkers, regardless of whether they consumed two to three cups or more, showed a reduced risk of death. Even light morning coffee drinkers, those who consumed one cup or fewer, experienced some reduction in risk, though to a lesser extent.
Why Morning Coffee May Be Better for You
Dr. Qi speculates that the timing of coffee consumption may affect circadian rhythms and the body’s natural hormone levels, including melatonin. Drinking coffee later in the day may interfere with sleep patterns, disrupt hormone levels, and contribute to health issues such as high blood pressure and increased inflammation. “We are not yet sure why morning coffee reduces the risk of death from heart disease, but the timing is likely a key factor,” Dr. Qi noted.
Expert Opinions and Future Research Directions
In an accompanying editorial, Professor Thomas F. Lüscher from Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals in London discussed the significance of the study’s findings. He pointed out that morning coffee drinking coincides with a natural increase in sympathetic activity, which may enhance the benefits of caffeine. Consuming coffee later in the day could disrupt the circadian rhythm, leading to negative health outcomes, including sleep disturbances.
While the study offers promising insights, both Dr. Qi and Professor Lüscher stress the need for further research to validate these findings in different populations and through clinical trials. Dr. Qi emphasized that coffee consumption timing should be considered in future dietary guidelines.
Conclusion
The study underscores the importance of not only the quantity of coffee consumed but also when it’s consumed. For heart health and longevity, it seems that morning coffee may be the best choice. So, if you enjoy a cup of coffee, make it part of your morning routine and perhaps you’ll not only boost your energy but your heart health too.
For more information, refer to the study “Coffee drinking timing and mortality in US adults” published in European Heart Journal on January 8, 2025.
References:
Wang, X., Ma, H., Sun, Q., et al. (2025). Coffee drinking timing and mortality in US adults. European Heart Journal. DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehae871
Lüscher, T. F. (2025). Start your day with a morning coffee! European Heart Journal. DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehae823
