Coffee, the favorite beverage of millions of people around the world, has long attracted the interest of scientists. According to a study recently published in the European Heart Journal, morning coffee protects the heart better than drinking coffee all day long. The results, from a large survey carried out on tens of thousands of participants, open up new perspectives on the potential benefits of moderate and well-timed consumption of this universal drink.
Behind the scenes: a decade of coffee research
The study, led by Dr. Lu Qi, a professor at Tulane University in New Orleans, draws on data collected from 40,725 adults between 1999 and 2018. The researchers analyzed the participants' eating habits, including their coffee consumption: quantity, frequency and time of day.
The results, adjusted for various factors such as sleep and lifestyle habits, revealed that 36% of participants drank their coffee mainly in the morning, 16% throughout the day, while 48% did not consume coffee at all. . After a median follow-up of almost ten years, the statistics are striking: morning coffee drinkers had 16% less risk of dying from all causes et 31% less risk of cardiovascular death compared to non-drinkers. On the other hand, coffee lovers throughout the day did not benefit from the same advantages.
These results confirm that it is not only the quantity of coffee consumed that matters, but also the time of day when it is ingested. This innovative distinction pushes researchers to explore the underlying mechanisms.
Why is morning coffee so beneficial?
The key may lie in our biological clock (or circadian rhythm). This internal system regulates many physiological processes, including sleep, digestion, and hormonal levels, based on day-night cycles.
Drinking coffee in the afternoon or evening could disrupt these natural rhythms. In particular, late-night caffeine consumption can interfere with the production of melatonin, the hormone that promotes sleep. This not only disrupts the quality of rest, but also processes like blood pressure regulation and inflammation, both crucial factors for cardiovascular health.
-Professor Thomas F. Lüscher, in an editorial accompanying the study, also points out that sympathetic activity of the body (the system responsible for the fight or flight response) is naturally highest in the morning and decreases throughout the day. Consuming coffee during this peak period could then better synchronize its stimulating effects with the body's biological needs, which avoids potential imbalances. Although the study cannot prove direct causality between timing of consumption and cardiovascular health, it paves the way for future research into the importance of timing in dietary advice.
How to integrate these discoveries into your daily routine?
The results of this study do not mean that drinking coffee in the morning is a panacea, but they offer concrete ideas for optimizing its benefits. Here are some recommendations based on this new data:
- Drink your coffee in the morning : to maximize the benefits, choose consumption before midday. This will allow you to harness the body's natural energy and avoid sleep disturbances.
- Moderate your consumption : the benefits seem to apply to both moderate drinkers (two to three cups per day) and more fervent drinkers (more than three cups). However, it is always best not to exceed four to five cups per day according to general recommendations.
- Avoid late coffee : if you are an inveterate drinker, opt for decaffeinated coffee in the afternoon or evening so as not to compromise your night's rest.
- Consider your personal tolerance : each organism reacts differently to caffeine. Listen to your body to adjust your consumption.
Morning coffee: a valuable ally, but not a miracle solution
This finding is part of a growing body of research that shows the positive effects of moderate coffee consumption on health. Coffee lovers can therefore rejoice: their morning ritual could contribute to their longevity. However, it is essential to place these results in a broader context. A balanced diet, regular physical activity and quality sleep remain the fundamental pillars of good health.
So, if you're looking for a reason to enjoy your cup of coffee as soon as the sun rises, science now offers you one: starting your day with this ancient drink could well be one of the best decisions for your heart and your well-being. be general.
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