Key points from article :
A recent study suggests that the timing of coffee consumption may play a significant role in its health benefits. Researchers from Tulane University in the US tracked over 40,000 adults for nearly a decade to investigate the effects of coffee drinking patterns on health. The participants were grouped into two categories: morning coffee drinkers (36%) and all-day coffee drinkers (14%). The findings showed that those who consumed coffee in the morning had a 16% lower risk of death compared to non-coffee drinkers and a 31% lower risk of dying from heart disease.
In contrast, those who drank coffee throughout the day did not show a reduction in mortality risk. The study also found that higher coffee intake was linked to lower mortality risk, but only for those who drank coffee in the morning. The research emphasized that the timing of coffee consumption could be more important than the amount consumed, as drinking coffee later in the day may interfere with circadian rhythms and lead to negative health impacts, including cardiovascular issues.
While coffee doesn't raise the risk of cardiovascular diseases, its timing may influence chronic disease outcomes like type 2 diabetes. The authors suggested that future dietary guidelines should consider the timing of coffee consumption. The study, published in the European Heart Journal, is the first to explore how the timing of coffee intake relates to health outcomes, particularly cardiovascular disease risk.
The study found similar results for both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee drinkers, suggesting the timing effect is consistent regardless of the type of coffee. Participants who preferred morning coffee were also more likely to drink tea and caffeinated soda but consumed less coffee overall compared to those who drank coffee throughout the day. These findings highlight the importance of timing in relation to coffee's potential health benefits.
While the study presents compelling evidence, there is need for further research to validate these results in other populations and through clinical trials. A linked editorial from the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals supported the findings, advising people to enjoy their coffee in the morning for better health outcomes.
