Morning Coffee May Boost Heart Health and Longevity, Study Finds

A recent study suggests that the time of day you drink coffee could be crucial for your heart health. Researchers found that drinking coffee early in the morning is associated with a lower risk of heart disease and overall mortality, compared to drinking it throughout the day.

The study, published in the European Heart Journal, analyzed data from more than 40,000 adults who participated in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 1999 and 2018. Participants reported the type and amount of coffee they consumed, and they were followed for approximately a decade.

Key Findings:

• Drinking coffee in the early morning was linked to a 16% lower risk of overall mortality

• It showed a 31% lower risk of heart disease

• No significant benefits were found among those who either didn't drink coffee or drank it later in the day

Dr. Lu Qi, lead researcher from Tulane University in New Orleans, explained: “Our findings highlight that when you drink coffee may be just as important as how much you drink. Late-day coffee consumption may disrupt biological rhythms and hormonal functions, such as melatonin production, potentially impacting blood pressure and inflammation.”

The researchers emphasized the need for further studies to confirm these results and to better understand the physiological effects of coffee timing on cardiovascular health.