Morning Coffee Offers Health Benefits, Study Finds

Morning Coffee Offers Health Benefits, Study Finds.

An analysis reveals that individuals who consume alcohol before lunch experience a reduced risk of mortality; however, this advantage disappears for those who drink throughout the day.

Individuals who consume coffee in the morning experience advantages that are not observed in those who indulge later in the day, as indicated by the first comprehensive study examining the health benefits of coffee at various times.

An analysis involving over 40,000 adults revealed that morning coffee consumers had a 16% lower likelihood of dying from any cause and a 31% reduced risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease over a 10-year follow-up period compared to non-coffee drinkers.

However, the protective effects on heart health seemed to diminish for those who consumed coffee throughout the day, with medical records indicating no significant decrease in mortality rates for individuals who drank coffee all day in comparison to those who abstained.

“It’s not just whether you drink coffee or how much you drink, but the time of day when you drink coffee that’s important,” said Prof Lu Qi, an expert in nutrition and epidemiology at Tulane University in New Orleans. “We don’t typically give advice about timing in our dietary guidance, but perhaps we should be thinking about this in the future.”

The research analyzed the dietary patterns of 40,725 adults, focusing on their coffee consumption habits and timing, as part of the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted from 1999 to 2018. Approximately 36% of the participants were identified as morning coffee drinkers, while 16% consumed coffee later in the day.

The findings indicated that individuals who drank coffee in the morning exhibited a reduced risk of mortality, regardless of whether they were moderate consumers (two to three cups daily) or heavy drinkers. However, the health benefits were less pronounced for those who limited their morning intake to a single cup. The assessment of risks was conducted by reviewing the medical records of participants over a period of nine to ten years following their enrollment in the survey.

Published in the European Heart Journal, these results were corroborated by a smaller cohort of 1,463 individuals who maintained detailed food and beverage diaries over a week.

The study implies that consuming coffee in the morning may be more advantageous for cardiovascular health compared to evening consumption, although the underlying reasons remain unclear. One potential explanation is that late-day coffee intake could interfere with circadian rhythms and hormone levels, such as melatonin. This disruption may negatively impact sleep, inflammation, and blood pressure, all of which are critical factors for heart health.

In a related editorial, Professor Thomas Lüscher, a consultant cardiologist at the Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals in London, observes that individuals who consume alcohol throughout the day often experience poor sleep quality. He further indicates that coffee appears to inhibit melatonin, a hormone crucial for promoting sleep in the brain.

The primary effects are attributed to caffeine; however, coffee comprises numerous other bioactive compounds that influence our physiological processes. The researchers suggest that certain inflammatory substances in the bloodstream tend to reach their highest levels in the morning, which may be mitigated by the anti-inflammatory properties found in a morning cup of coffee. “This explanation applies to both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee,” they write.

The most recent research expands upon a 2022 study conducted by the UK Biobank, which indicated that individuals consuming up to three cups of coffee daily exhibited better heart health compared to those who abstained. The National Health Service (NHS) recommends limiting coffee intake to no more than four cups per day, as excessive consumption may elevate blood pressure.

Additionally, it is advised that pregnant women restrict their caffeine intake to a maximum of 200mg per day to mitigate the risks of low birth weight and miscarriage. A standard mug of filter coffee typically contains approximately 140mg of caffeine.

“Overall, we must accept the now substantial evidence that coffee drinking, particularly in the morning hours, is likely to be healthy,” Lüscher writes. “Thus, drink your coffee, but do so in the morning!”

The findings of this study highlight the significant health benefits of drinking coffee in the morning, particularly in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. With a clear link between morning coffee consumption and better heart health, this research provides a simple yet effective recommendation for improving overall well-being.

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While moderation is key, the positive impact on inflammation, sleep quality, and heart health suggests that morning coffee could be an easy addition to a healthy lifestyle. As future studies explore this connection further, coffee lovers can enjoy their morning brew knowing it might contribute to a longer, healthier life.