Drinking coffee at certain times of the day could reduce the risk of death, research has shown
Almost three-quarters of Americans drink coffee every day — and now a new study suggests that enjoying it at certain times of the day may have some health benefits.
A study led by researchers at Tulane University in New Orleans found that drinking coffee in the morning was associated with a lower death rate compared to drinking coffee later in the day.
Published in the European Heart Journal on January 8, the study analyzed the dietary data of over 42,000 adults over a nine-year period, according to the findings.
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Comparing coffee consumption in adults and causes of death, scientists found that those who drank two to three cups of coffee in the morning had a “significantly” lower risk of death from any cause and death from cardiovascular diseases compared to those who did not drink coffee.
Interestingly, this same reduced risk was not observed in those who drank coffee all day.
Nearly three-quarters of Americans drink coffee every day — and now a new study suggests that enjoying it at certain times of the day could increase health benefits. (iStock)
“Moderate coffee drinking is associated with health benefits,” study lead author Lu Qi, MD, interim chair of the Department of Epidemiology at Tulane University, told Fox News Digital.
“Our research shows for the first time that the timing of coffee drinking is also important, in addition to the amount – and drinking in the morning shows a stronger association with health benefits than drinking throughout the day.”
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Part of the benefits of drinking coffee in the morning involves your circadian rhythm, which is the body’s internal clock that regulates your wake/sleep schedule, according to Michelle Routhenstein, a New York-based registered dietitian who specializes in heart disease.
“Drinking coffee in the morning aligns with one’s circadian rhythm, allowing [people] to be more focused during the day and allow rest at night,” she told Fox News Digital. Routhenstein was not involved in the new study.
“Drinking coffee later in the day can sometimes signal a reliance on stimulants stay focused and keep working, often at the expense of solving hunger.”
The researchers said their study “shows for the first time that the timing of drinking coffee is also important, in addition to the amount” people drink. (iStock)
This habit can lead to inadequate nutritionshe warned, which can negatively affect heart health over time.
One of coffee’s primary heart-healthy benefits is chlorogenic acid, according to Routhenstein.
“Drinking coffee later in the day can sometimes signal that you’re relying on stimulants to stay focused.”
“It’s a polyphenol found in coffee beans that has anti-inflammatory properties and may have a positive role in supporting blood vessel health and oxidative stress,” she said.
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dr. Bradley Serwer, a cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, a Cincinnati-based company, called the new study “interesting,” noting that “many studies have shown health benefits with caffeine and coffee, but few have evaluated when the coffee is consumed .”
The new study did not discuss the specific types of coffee consumed or any added ingredients, such as sugar and cream, that could negate the health benefits. (iStock)
“The authors of this study cannot prove why people drink coffee better in the morning than throughout the day, but they speculate that it could be directed at a disruption of the circadian rhythm that results in poor sleep hygiene,” he added.
‘More studies are needed’
There were some limitations to the study, noted author Qi.
“This is it observational studywhich cannot provide evidence for causation,” he said. “More studies are needed to confirm our findings in other populations.”
“How you prepare and consume coffee can affect its heart-healthy benefits.”
Serwer agreed that the study does not prove causation, noting, “The intent of this study is to develop a clinical hypothesis that can be studied further.”
The study, Routhenstein said, did not discuss the specific types of coffee consumed or added ingredients, such as sugar and cream, that could negate the health benefits.
“The authors of this study cannot prove why people drink coffee better in the morning than throughout the day, but they speculate that it may be directed at a disruption of the circadian rhythm that results in poor sleep hygiene.” (iStock)
“The way you prepare and consume coffee can affect its use benefits for heart health“, she said.
“For example, cafestol in unfiltered coffee can raise cholesterol, while creamers and syrups add saturated coffee fat and sugar.”
The effects of caffeine can vary
Individuals can have genetic differences that could affect their ability to metabolize caffeine, Routhenstein noted, meaning coffee’s effects on heart rate and blood pressure can vary from person to person.
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Serwer confirmed that moderate caffeine consumption can have many health benefits.
“Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase mental alertness and can improve cognitive focus,” said the cardiologist, who was not involved in the research. “Caffeine helps improve physical endurance and can reduce perceived exertion during exercise.”
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The cardiologist agreed that coffee can affect people differently.
“Coffee has negative side effects and should be avoided or limited in those with palpitations, abnormal heart rhythms and high blood pressure,” he told Fox News Digital.
Coffee can affect people differently, medical experts agree: “Caffeine is a drug, and like all drugs, there are benefits and risks associated with its consumption.” (iStock)
“Caffeine is a drug and, like all drugs, there are benefits and risks associated with its consumption.”
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For those who have questions or concerns about the amount or timing of coffee consumption, Serwer recommends speaking with primary health care provider discuss individual risk.
