A recent study conducted by Tulane University has revealed that the timing of coffee consumption may play a more significant role in cardiovascular health than the quantity consumed. The research emphasizes that drinking coffee in the morning could enhance its health benefits, particularly for moderate and heavy drinkers, compared to consuming it throughout the day.
The study suggests that morning coffee drinkers may experience a lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease than those who drink coffee later in the day. This finding indicates that the timing of coffee intake could influence its actual health benefits. Researchers noted that previous studies have linked late coffee drinking to sleep disturbances, which may contribute to the lack of benefits associated with all-day coffee consumption.
Dr. Lu Qi, the lead researcher, pointed out the importance of circadian rhythms in relation to food and beverage consumption. He stated, “Food eating and beverage drinking are key circadian time cues. While most nutrition studies focus on the quantity of dietary intakes, few investigate the circadian patterns of food/beverage intakes. Coffee affects sleeping and various circadian rhythm-related hormones such as melatonin, cortisol, and inflammation markers, which are relevant to heart health.”
The study involved a subgroup of approximately 1,500 participants who documented their food and beverage consumption over a week. Findings indicated that morning coffee drinkers, whether moderate drinkers (two to three cups) or heavy drinkers (more than three cups), benefitted from improved metabolic factors related to cardiovascular health. In contrast, light morning drinkers—those consuming one cup or less—showed only a minimal risk benefit.
Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, a co-author of the study, elaborated on these findings, stating, “We’ve known for a while now about the health benefits of coffee drinking. This is the first indication that the timing of coffee drinking may have an impact on the actual health benefits, namely, that you get the health benefit only if you are a morning coffee drinker. It certainly throws a new perspective on how we may potentially recommend coffee drinking for its health benefits.”
However, the study did not delve into why morning consumption might be more beneficial. Dr. Chen noted, “We don’t really understand why coffee drinking might be better in the morning. It actually may be that the health benefits of coffee are negated by the negative consequences of drinking coffee at other times of the day, such as the afternoon or evening.”
Previous research supports the notion that coffee impacts various metabolic factors important for cardiovascular well-being, including lowering glucose levels and improving lipid profiles. “Prior evidence has also shown the benefits of coffee drinking on metabolism including metabolic factors related to cardiovascular health such as lowering glucose and adverse lipids. Our study indicates that drinking coffee in the morning may strengthen such benefits,” Qi added.
Moreover, it is essential to consider potential risks associated with excessive caffeine consumption. Drinking high amounts of caffeine at least five days a week may increase an individual's risk of heart disease and stroke. The researchers caution that while moderate morning consumption appears beneficial, too much coffee—especially if consumed later in the day—could counteract those positive effects.
The study also highlights a potential connection between coffee consumption and cancer risk. A separate study published in December 2024 found a correlation between coffee and tea consumption and a lower risk of developing head and neck cancer.
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