What if your morning coffee time affected your heart health? A recent study reveals surprising results. To find out more about the benefits of morning coffee and the dangers of late consumption, discover our article…
Coffee lovers, you may be tempted to review your habits after reading this article. A study published on January 8 in the European Heart Journal suggests that morning coffee consumption would significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and overall mortality.
Morning coffee drinkers have a 31% lower risk of dying from heart disease compared to non-consumers. They would also be 16% less likely to die from any cause. On the other hand, those drinking coffee throughout the day would not benefit from the same benefits.
How was the study conducted?
The research team, led by Dr. Lu Qi of Tulane University, analyzed data from more than 42,000 American adults who participated in two large health surveys. Each participant kept a food diary for at least 7 days, detailing their coffee consumption. These data were then cross-referenced with mortality rates over a period of 9 to 10 years. All coffee drinks, with or without caffeine, were included.
What are the main results?
Morning coffee drinkers had significantly lower risks of cardiovascular and general mortality compared to non-consumers. This was true for both moderate drinkers (2-3 cups) and heavy drinkers (more than 3 cups). The most determining parameter seemed to be the time of consumption. Those drinking coffee morning, afternoon and evening did not show a notable reduction in risk.
Our results indicate that it is not only important whether or not to drink coffee, nor the quantity, but the time of day when we consume it.
Dr Lu Qi, lead author of the study
Why prefer morning coffee?
According to researchers, consuming coffee in the afternoon or evening could disrupt circadian rhythms and the production of melatoninthe hormone regulating sleep. This disruption would lead to increased inflammation, higher blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors. Conversely, drinking coffee in the morning, when the body is naturally more active, would support the normal awakening process.
Dr. Thomas Lüscher, cardiologist, explains in an editorial attached to the study:
In the morning, sympathetic nervous system activity increases sharply as we wake, an effect that fades over the course of the day and reaches its lowest level during sleep. So, drinking coffee in the afternoon or evening could disrupt the circadian rhythm of this sympathetic activity.
Dr Thomas Lüscher
In conclusion
Whether you’re an occasional or die-hard coffee drinker, switching to morning-only drinking could be a simple but effective way to support your heart health. Do not hesitate to consult your doctor if you have any questions about your cardiovascular health.
So, ready to adjust your coffee routine to take care of your heart? To delve deeper into the subject, here are some additional reading points:
- The benefits of coffee for longevity, confirmed by science
- Coffee vs sodas: what impact on heart risk?
- 3 cups of coffee per day, the ideal dose for heart health?
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