Timing your brew: Morning coffee linked to longer life
Coffee is one of the most popular yet controversial beverages in the world. Some people equate the morning ritual of drinking coffee with other habits, such as alcohol consumption or smoking. However, given the current understanding of coffee's health benefits, such comparisons often meet with opposition. Coffee can have positive effects on the body, although the timing of its consumption is crucial.
An article published in the "European Heart Journal" discussed study results on how the time of coffee consumption affects the risk of premature death. Scientists examined a sample of over 40,000 people who monitored their coffee-drinking habits between 1999 and 2018. The analysis focused on the timing of coffee consumption—both regular and decaffeinated.
How does coffee affect the body?
Coffee not only stimulates the body, aiding alertness, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties. It appears that our entire body operates according to a daily rhythm, including the markers of inflammation in the blood. These markers are highest in the morning and gradually decrease, reaching their lowest level around 5:00 pm. A cup of black coffee in the morning can help reduce inflammation, which is most problematic at this time. Coffee also contains antioxidants that protect cells from damage.
In studies on coffee consumption, scientists also examined melatonin production. Coffee consumed in the afternoon and evening could reduce this hormone level by up to 30%.
The researchers highlight that reduced melatonin levels are linked to increased oxidative stress, elevated blood pressure, and a greater risk of early mortality.
How was the study on coffee consumption patterns conducted?
By reviewing the research materials, a team of scientists led by Dr. Lu Qi from Tulane University in New Orleans identified two patterns of coffee drinking. In one pattern, involving 36% of participants, coffee was consumed only in the morning. In the second pattern (14% of participants), coffee was consumed throughout the day. During the data collection period, 4,295 deaths from various causes were recorded, including 1,268 deaths from cardiovascular diseases and 934 deaths from cancer.
Coffee and the risk of premature death
How do these data relate to a cup of coffee? It seems that drinking coffee in the morning can reduce the risk of premature death by up to 16%. Beneficial results were observed from drinking either one or three cups. Drinking coffee in the evening did not have a similar effect. Did it have negative consequences? There is no conclusive answer. Scientists decided to continue their research, but it is clear that coffee consumption is significantly related to the body's daily rhythms.
Is an evening cup of coffee healthy?
Scientists agree that coffee consumed in the morning can support the body’s regenerative activities.
According to Prof. Thomas F. Lüscher from Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals, the body's sympathetic nervous system activity naturally rises in the morning, a process that coffee can enhance. However, consuming coffee later in the day, such as in the afternoon or evening, may interfere with sleep and have adverse effects on health.
What is the healthiest coffee?
Studies did not show that the "drink of the gods" increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. There is also no link to cancer. However, there is evidence of a decreased risk of other diseases, such as chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes.
It’s essential to remember that the healthiest option is plain black coffee, without added sugar, sweeteners, syrups, or milk. The greatest health benefits come from lighter roasted coffee. Heavily roasting coffee can result in the formation of harmful compounds, such as acrylamide, which can be detrimental to health if levels exceed permissible norms.
