The Morning Coffee Advantage: A Study Reveals the Health Benefits of Drinking Coffee in the Morning
New Orleans: A Lower Risk of Heart Disease and Mortality
Morning coffee drinkers have a lower risk of dying from heart disease and a reduced overall mortality risk compared to all-day coffee drinkers, according to a recent study published in the European Heart Journal. Those who drink coffee in the morning have a 31% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and are 16% less likely to die early compared to others, the research showed.
The Research
The study, led by Lu Qi from Tulane University in New Orleans, analyzed dietary and health data from 40,725 adults aged 18 and older, collected between 1999 and 2018. This included a subgroup of 1,463 adults to validate and cross-reference dietary data, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of the overall findings. Researchers connected the data to death records and their causes for a follow-up period of nine to 10 years. Caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee consumption was examined, categorizing intake times into morning, afternoon, and evening.
The Morning Advantage
For morning drinkers, the amount of caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee consumed – whether less than one cup or more than three cups daily – did not significantly alter the observed benefits. Furthermore, consuming coffee in the morning was associated with a reduced mortality risk regardless of quantity.
Sympathetic Activity
Lu explained that in the morning hours, there is commonly a marked increase in sympathetic activity as we wake up and get out of bed, an effect that fades away during the day and reaches its lowest level during sleep. The sympathetic nervous system’s primary process is to stimulate the body’s fight-or-flight response. "Thus, it is possible that coffee drinking in the afternoon or evening disrupts the circadian rhythm of sympathetic activity. Indeed, many all-day drinkers suffer from sleep disturbances," he said.
Conclusion
Overall, the study suggests that coffee drinking, particularly in the morning hours, is likely to be healthy. The findings remained consistent even after accounting for confounding factors and physical-activity levels, dietary habits, and health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. "Overall, we must accept the now substantial evidence that coffee drinking, particularly in the morning hours, is likely to be healthy," said Lu. "Thus, drink your coffee, but do so in the morning!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the benefits of drinking coffee in the morning?
A: Drinking coffee in the morning is associated with a 31% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 16% lower risk of mortality compared to all-day coffee drinkers.
Q: How much coffee do I need to drink in the morning to reap the benefits?
A: The study found that the amount of coffee consumed did not significantly alter the observed benefits. Whether you drink less than one cup or more than three cups daily, the benefits remain the same.
Q: Can I still benefit from drinking coffee in the morning if I have health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol?
A: Yes, the study’s findings remained consistent even after accounting for these health conditions. However, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or exercise routine.