Morning coffee linked to lower risk of premature death
Coffee is one of the most popular and simultaneously one of the most controversial beverages worldwide. Some people compare the morning ritual of drinking coffee to consuming other substances, such as alcohol or cigarettes. However, given current knowledge about the health benefits of coffee, these comparisons are understandably met with resistance. Coffee can positively affect the body, although the timing of its consumption is very important.
An article published in the "European Heart Journal" discussed study results on how the timing 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 regular and decaffeinated coffee.
How does coffee affect the body?
Coffee not only stimulates the body, helping to awaken both body and mind, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties. Our entire body operates according to a specific 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 helps reduce inflammation, which is most noticeable at this time of day. Coffee also contains antioxidants that help 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 percent.
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?
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, which included 36 percent of participants, coffee was consumed only in the morning. In the second (14 percent 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 are these data linked to a cup of coffee? It turns out that drinking coffee in the morning can reduce the risk of premature death by up to 16 percent. Beneficial results come from drinking both one and three cups. Drinking coffee in the evening did not reduce the risk of death. Did it have negative effects? There is no definitive answer. Scientists decided to continue their research, but it is noticeable that coffee is significantly linked to the day’s rhythm.
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 connection with cancer. However, there is evidence of a decreased risk of other diseases, such as chronic ones like type 2 diabetes.
However, it’s important to remember that the healthiest option is plain black coffee, without added sugar, sweeteners, syrups, or milk. The best impact on the body comes from lighter roasted coffee. Heavily roasting coffee can result in the formation of harmful compounds, such as acrylamide, which can be harmful to health if levels exceed permissible norms.
