Nearly three-quarters of Americans drink coffee every day – and now a new study suggests that enjoying it at a certain time of day could provide some health benefits.
A study led by researchers at Tulane University in New Orleans found that drinking coffee in the morning was linked to lower death rates compared to drinking it later in the day.
The study, published in the European Heart Journal on January 8, analyzed dietary data from more than 42,000 adults over a nine-year period, according to the findings.
DRINKING CERTAIN TYPES OF COFFEE MAY BRING SOME HEALTH BENEFITS, BUT THE ADDITIONS ARE MAJOR
Comparing coffee consumption and causes of death in adults, researchers found that those who drank two to three cups of coffee in the morning were “significantly” less likely to die from any cause or die from cancer. . cardiovascular disease compared to those who did not drink coffee.
Interestingly, that same reduced risk was not seen in those who drank coffee all day.
Nearly three-quarters of Americans drink coffee every day — and now a new study suggests that consuming it at a certain time of day could boost its health benefits. (iStock)
“Drink coffee in moderation has been associated with health benefits,” lead study author Lu Qi, MD, PhD, interim chair of the Department of Epidemiology at Tulane University, told Fox News Digital.
“Our research indicates for the first time that the timing of coffee drinking matters, beyond quantity – and drinking in the morning shows a stronger relationship with health benefits than drinking all day.”
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Part of the benefit of drinking coffee in the morning has to do with the circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock that regulates the 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 the circadian rhythm, allowing people to be more focused during the day and unwind at night,” she told Fox News Digital. Routhenstein was not involved in the new research.
“Drinking coffee later in the day can sometimes be a signal dependence on stimulants to stay focused and keep working, often at the expense of fighting hunger.”
Researchers say their study “indicates for the first time that the timing of coffee drinking also matters, in addition to the amount” people drink. (iStock)
That habit can lead to it insufficient nutritionshe warned, which can negatively impact heart health over time.
One of the most important heart health benefits of coffee, according to Routhenstein, is chlorogenic acid.
“Drinking coffee later in the day can sometimes indicate a reliance on stimulants to stay focused.”
“It is a polyphenol found in coffee beans that has anti-inflammatory properties and may play a positive role in supporting blood vessel health and oxidative stress,” she said.
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Dr. Bradley Serwer, a cardiologist and physician-in-chief at VitalSolution, a Cincinnati-based company, noted that the new study is “interesting,” pointing out that “many studies have shown health benefits with caffeine and coffee, but few have assessed when the coffee is consumed.”
The new study did not address the specific types of coffee consumed or any added ingredients, such as sugar and cream, that could counter the health benefits. (iStock)
“The authors of this study cannot prove why people drink coffee better in the morning than all day, but they speculate that it may target circadian rhythm disruption, resulting in poor sleep hygiene,” he added.
‘More research is needed’
There were some limitations to the study, author Qi indicated.
“This is one observational research‘, which cannot provide evidence of causality,’ he said. ‘More studies are needed to validate our findings in other populations.’
“The way you prepare and consume coffee can affect its benefits to your heart health.”
Serwer agreed that the study does not prove causality, 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 any added ingredients, such as sugar and cream, that could counter the health benefits.
“The authors of this study cannot prove why people drink coffee better in the morning than all day, but they speculate that it could target circadian rhythm disruption, resulting in poor sleep hygiene.” (iStock)
“The way you prepare and consume coffee can affect the coffee benefits for heart healthshe said.
“For example, cafestol in unfiltered coffee can increase cholesterol, while creamers and syrups add saturated coffee fats and sugars.”
The effects of caffeine can vary
Individuals may have genetic differences that can 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 there can be many health benefits from moderate caffeine consumption.
“Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase mental alertness and improve cognitive focus,” said the cardiologist, who was not involved in the study. “Caffeine helps improve physical endurance and can reduce perceived exertion during exercise.”
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The cardiologist agreed that coffee can affect people in different ways.
“Coffee has negative side effects and should be avoided or limited in people with palpitations, abnormal heart rhythms and high blood pressure,” he told Fox News Digital.
Coffee can affect people in different ways, 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 recommended speaking with a primary care provider discuss individual risk.
