Morning Coffee Health Benefits
Morning Coffee Health Benefits: A comprehensive study published in the European Heart Journal has shown that morning coffee drinkers have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and overall mortality. The research, led by Dr Lu Qi, suggests that the timing of coffee intake may play a critical role in its health benefits.
Study Design and Demographics
Researchers tracked the coffee consumption habits and health outcomes of 40,725 adults over nine to ten years to gather data. Specifically, participants’ consumption was analyzed; furthermore, they included 1,463 individuals who maintained a detailed food and drink diary for one week.
Health Benefits for Morning Coffee Drinkers
Morning coffee drinkers were 16% less likely to die of any cause, and 31% less likely to die of cardiovascular disease. Compared to non-coffee drinkers, moderate and heavy morning coffee drinkers experienced lower risks, while light drinkers saw smaller decreases in risk.
Potential Explanations and Broader Implications
Consumption of coffee in the afternoon or evening might disrupt circadian rhythms and hormones, leading to increased cardiovascular risk factors. Further studies are necessary to validate these findings and explore the potential benefits of adjusting coffee consumption timing. Drink your coffee, but do so in the morning! Enjoy the health benefits and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Expert Commentary
In an accompanying editorial, Professor Thomas F. Lüscher emphasized the significance of the study’s findings. Specifically, he noted that coffee drinking in the afternoon or evening might disrupt circadian rhythm and sympathetic activity; consequently, this disruption could lead to sleep disturbances and potential cardiovascular risks. He concluded by encouraging people to drink coffee, particularly in the morning, to enjoy its health benefits and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
References:
“Coffee drinking timing and mortality in US adults” by Xuan Wang, Hao Ma, Qi Sun, Jun Li, Yoriko Heianza, Rob M Van Dam, Frank B Hu, Eric Rimm, JoAnn E Manson and Lu Qi, European Heart Journal, January 8, 2025.
“Start your day with a morning coffee!” by Thomas F Lüscher, European Heart Journal, January 8, 2025.
