Coffee at a certain time of the day could reduce the risk of death, the study finds

Almost three quarters of Americans drink coffee every day – and now a new study suggests that enjoying it at a certain time of day could percolate some health benefits.

A study led by researchers at Tulane University in New Orleans found that coffee in the morning was linked to lower death rates compared to drinking later in the day.

Published in the European Heart Journal on January 8, the study analyzed the dietary data of more than 42,000 adults during a period of nine years, according to the results.

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Comparing adults’ coffee consumption and causes of death, researchers determined that those who drank two to three cups of coffee in the morning had “significantly” lower risks of dying from any cause and dying cardiovascular disease compared to those who do not drink coffee.

Interestingly, the same decreased risk was not seen for those who drank coffee throughout the day.

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 increase its health benefits. (iStock)

“Moderate coffee has been linked to health benefits,” lead study author Lu Qi, MD, PhD, interim chair of Tulane University’s Department of Epidemiology, told Fox News Digital.

“Our study for the first time indicates that the timing of drinking coffee also matters, beyond the amount – and drinking it in the morning shows a stronger relationship with the health benefits of drinking it throughout the day.”

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Part of the benefit of drinking coffee in the morning involves the circadian rhythm, which is the body’s internal clock that regulates the wake/sleep schedule, according to Michelle Routhenstein, a registered dietitian in New York who specializes in heart disease.

“Drinking coffee in the morning aligns with the circadian rhythm, which allows (people) to be more focused during the day and allows for rest at night,” he told Fox News Digital. Routhenstein was not involved in the new study.

“Drinking coffee later in the day can sometimes signal a addiction to stimulants to stay focused and continue to work, often at the expense of facing hunger.”

Researchers said their study “for the first time indicates that the timing of drinking coffee matters, as well as the amount” people drink. (iStock)

That habit can lead to inadequate nutritionhe warned, which can negatively affect heart health over time.

One of the primary heart health benefits of coffee is chlorogenic acid, according to Routhenstein.

“Drinking coffee later in the day can sometimes signal a reliance on stimulants to stay focused.”

“It is a polyphenol found in coffee beans that has anti-inflammatory properties and can play a positive role in supporting the health of blood vessels and oxidative stress,” he said.

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Dr. Bradley Serwer, cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, a Cincinnati company, noted that the new study is “interesting,” saying that “many studies have shown health benefits with caffeine and coffee, but few they evaluated when the coffee is consumed.”

The new study did not discuss the specific types of coffee consumed or any added ingredients, such as sugar and cream, which could counteract the health benefits. (iStock)

“The authors of this study cannot prove why people drink better coffee in the morning versus throughout the day, but they speculate that it may be focused on the disruption of circadian rhythms that result in poor sleep hygiene,” he added.

“I need more studies”

There were some limitations to the study, author Qi pointed out.

“This is a observational studywhich cannot provide evidence for causality,” he said. “More studies are needed to validate our findings in other populations.”

“How coffee is prepared and consumed may influence its heart health benefits.”

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 counteract the health benefits.

“The authors of this study cannot prove why people drink coffee better in the morning versus throughout the day, but they speculate that it may be focused on the disruption of circadian rhythms that result in poor sleep hygiene” . (iStock)

“How you prepare and consume coffee can have an impact heart health benefits“, he said.

“For example, cafestol in unfiltered coffee can increase cholesterol, while creams and syrups add saturated. fats and sugars.”

The effects of caffeine can be different

Individuals may have genetic differences that could affect their ability to metabolize caffeine, Routhenstein said, meaning that coffee’s effects on heart rate and blood pressure may vary from person to person.

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Serwer confirmed that there can be many health benefits with moderate caffeine consumption.

“Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase mental alertness and can improve cognitive focus,” said the cardiologist, who was not involved in the research. “Caffeine helps improve physical endurance and can reduce perceived exertion during the exercise.”

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The cardiologist agrees that coffee can affect people differently.

“Coffee has negative side effects and should be avoided or limited in those 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 to discuss individual risk.