Routines play a major role in our overall well-being — and few are as universally loved as the ritual of morning coffee. Now, emerging evidence suggests that when we drink our coffee might be just as important as the drink itself.
According to a recent study featured in the European Heart Journal, consuming coffee mainly in the morning could be associated with a longer life and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Researchers discovered that individuals who restricted their coffee intake to the early hours of the day had a 16% lower risk of death from all causes and a 31% lower chance of dying from heart-related conditions, compared to people who didn’t drink coffee at all.
Interestingly, those who drank coffee throughout the day — including afternoon or evening — did not experience the same positive outcomes.
Healthline reports that the study looked at data from over 40,000 adults, gathered from national health surveys. Only those categorized as "morning coffee drinkers" seemed to benefit from the potential health advantages of coffee.
Dr. Lu Qi, the study’s lead author and a researcher at Tulane University, believes this may have something to do with our internal biological clock, or circadian rhythm. “Drinking coffee in the morning aligns with the body’s natural rhythm, whereas having it later in the day may interfere with sleep and disrupt this cycle,” he explained.
While the findings are promising, experts urge caution in interpreting the results. This was an observational study, which means it shows correlations, not direct cause and effect. Moreover, the majority of morning coffee drinkers in the study were white and came from higher-income backgrounds — factors that could affect the broader applicability of the conclusions.
Still, there is some scientific logic behind the timing. Drinking coffee late in the day can interfere with melatonin production — the hormone that helps regulate sleep — which might in turn influence long-term heart health.
Dr. Thomas Lüscher, a cardiologist in the UK, emphasized the importance of the body’s internal clock in regulating health. According to the study, moderate to higher morning coffee intake — around two cups or more — appeared particularly beneficial.
However, not all experts are convinced. Dr. Abha Khandelwal of Stanford University advises a conservative approach: “If you enjoy coffee, it might be wise to limit it to the morning hours,” she said in her interview with Healthline. But she also pointed out that significantly more research is needed before turning these observations into solid medical guidelines.
This new research adds an intriguing layer to what we already know about coffee and health. If you’re someone who starts the day with a cup or two, it could be a practice that supports your health — as long as you don’t overdo it or rely on it as a cure-all.
The main takeaway? When you drink your coffee might be just as important as how much you drink. It’s a simple shift in routine that could carry lasting benefits.
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