That’s right, data now shows that beginning your day with coffee could do more than amp you up—it actually might protect your heart. A new study in the European Heart Journal found that morning coffee drinkers have a 31% lower risk of dying from heart disease and a 16% lower risk of death from any cause compared to non-drinkers. However, sipping coffee throughout the day offered no such advantages.
Led by Dr. Lu Qi of Tulane University, the research analyzed data from over 42,000 U.S. adults who tracked their diets for a week. Their coffee habits were categorized into morning-only, all-day, and non-drinkers, with nearly a decade of follow-up. Morning coffee drinkers showed the most significant health benefits, whether they had two cups or more.
The time of day appears crucial. Afternoon and evening coffee may disrupt the body’s natural rhythms, including melatonin production, which helps regulate sleep. This disruption could trigger inflammation and raise cardiovascular risks. Morning coffee, however, works with the body’s natural energy surge, enhancing its benefits.
Cardiologist Dr. Thomas Lüscher explains, “Your body ramps up activity as you wake, but by evening, that energy fades. Drinking coffee late interferes with this natural rhythm.”
If you’ve ever regretted a late-night coffee keeping you awake, this study reinforces the wisdom of sticking to morning brews. Shifting your coffee routine to earlier in the day might be an easy way to support heart health and longevity. Always consult a healthcare provider with specific concerns.
