A new study in the European Heart Journal indicates that enjoying coffee in the morning may significantly lower the risk of overall mortality, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), compared to either not drinking coffee at all or sipping it throughout the day.
The research team examined two groups of coffee consumers: those who drink coffee primarily in the morning (36% of participants) and those who consume it all day (16%). Drawing on data from more than 42,000 individuals participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the study found that morning coffee drinkers had lower mortality rates from CVD (HR = 0.69) and all causes (HR = 0.84)—especially among people who consumed more than three cups per day. In contrast, consistently drinking coffee during the day showed no notable reduction in mortality risks.
According to the authors, these benefits linked to morning coffee consumption may arise from how coffee interacts with circadian rhythms, affecting the body’s metabolism and inflammatory processes. Consuming coffee later in the day could diminish melatonin levels, potentially harming cardiovascular health.
Interestingly, the researchers also analyzed decaffeinated coffee intake and observed similar advantages, suggesting that anti-inflammatory mechanisms—rather than caffeine’s stimulating properties—play a significant role. To bolster the credibility of the findings, the team adjusted for factors such as age, gender, physical activity, smoking status, and dietary habits.
Overall, the results underline the importance of timing regarding coffee’s health effects. Coffee in the morning appeared to lower mortality risks, while daylong coffee drinking offered no apparent benefit. The authors recommend additional research to validate these outcomes and delve deeper into the mechanisms at work among different population groups.
Important! The statistics mentioned in this medical article reflect broad patterns and do not account for individual variations. Each person’s unique circumstances can differ substantially. Always consult a medical professional before making decisions about your health.
