Many people consume coffee daily, averaging between two and three cups a day.
The Optimal Time to Drink Coffee for Heart Health
While excessive coffee consumption can have side effects, a recent study has shown that the timing of coffee consumption plays a significant role in maximizing health benefits, particularly for heart health.
Researchers analyzed the coffee-drinking habits of nearly 40,000 American adults, both caffeinated and decaffeinated. At the start of the study, none of the participants had any pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
The results showed that drinking coffee in the morning was associated with a 31% lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease over ten years, compared to those who did not drink coffee. The likelihood of death from any cause was also reduced by 16%.
In contrast, those who drank coffee throughout the day did not show any significant reduction in their risk of death over the following decade compared to non-drinkers. The researchers explained that drinking coffee late in the day may disrupt the body's circadian rhythm, thus diminishing or negating its health benefits.
Interpreting the Results
Drinking coffee before noon is believed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease because coffee contains anti-inflammatory compounds, and certain blood molecules associated with inflammation are more active in the morning.
The study was published in the European Heart Journal.