Drinking Coffee in the Morning Linked to Better Heart Health, Study Finds
Drinking coffee in the morning may be better for your heart health than at any other time of day, according to a new study published in the European Heart Journal. Researchers from Tulane University found that drinking coffee in the morning was associated with a 16% lower risk of premature death from any cause and a 31% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.
The study, which was conducted on over 40,000 adults, found that drinking coffee in the morning was also associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The researchers defined morning as the time period from 4 a.m. to 11:59 a.m., and found that drinking coffee during this time was associated with the most health benefits.
Interestingly, the study found that the amount of coffee consumed did not matter, with both small and large amounts being associated with the same health benefits. Additionally, the researchers found that consuming coffee at other times of the day, such as in the afternoon or evening, was not associated with the same benefits.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Lu Qi, noted that the findings suggest that “perhaps we should be thinking about the timing of our dietary guidance in the future.” The study also highlights the importance of considering individual differences in sleep patterns, age, and other factors that may affect the relationship between coffee consumption and health outcomes.
Other experts have also praised the study, with registered dietitian nutritionist Vanessa King noting that the findings are “meaningful” and that the study is one of the best investigations on this topic in years. Dr. David Kao, a cardiovascular expert, added that the study’s use of machine learning to categorize coffee drinking patterns and its validation of findings in multiple external data sources make it a strong addition to the body of research on this topic.
However, the study is not without limitations. The authors note that the retrospective design of the study means that the accuracy of participants’ self-reported dietary intake is a potential limitation, and that the study did not account for long-term habits or other potential confounding variables. Additionally, the study did not examine the possible effects of genetic variations in caffeine metabolism or other individual differences that may impact the relationship between coffee consumption and health outcomes.
Despite these limitations, the study’s findings suggest that drinking coffee in the morning may be a simple and effective way to support heart health, and that further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between coffee consumption and overall health. In the meantime, registered dietitians and nutritionists are advising individuals to consider their own sleep patterns, diet, and lifestyle habits when determining whether to start or continue drinking coffee, and to consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to their daily routine.
