Drinking Coffee in the Morning May Help You Live Longer, Study Suggests

Coffee is loved worldwide, but new research suggests that when you drink it could affect your health and lifespan. A study published in the European Heart Journal found that drinking coffee in the morning might reduce the risk of early death.

The study, led by Dr. Lu Qi from Tulane University, analyzed data from over 40,000 adults. Participants were divided based on when they drank coffee—morning, afternoon, or evening—and whether they drank it throughout the day. Researchers found that those who drank coffee only in the morning had a 16% lower risk of dying early and a 31% lower risk of death from heart disease compared to non-coffee drinkers.

Interestingly, the health benefits were the same regardless of whether the coffee was caffeinated or decaffeinated, or how much was consumed. However, drinking coffee throughout the day did not provide the same benefits.

Why Morning Coffee?

Experts believe timing might be key because morning coffee drinkers could generally follow healthier habits, such as exercising and eating well. However, the exact reasons why morning coffee is linked to better health still need further research.

Other Health Benefits of Coffee

Coffee has long been associated with health benefits, such as a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even some cancers. A recent review also found that regular coffee drinkers could add nearly two extra years of healthy living to their lifespan. Coffee supports healthy aging by reducing risks of various diseases and improving cell health.

Study Limitations

While the study offers exciting insights, it has some limitations. The data relied on self-reported coffee habits, which may not always be accurate. Additionally, researchers couldn’t account for all lifestyle factors, such as exercise or diet, that might influence the results.

Conclusion

This research adds to the growing evidence that coffee can be part of a healthy lifestyle. For coffee lovers, sticking to a morning cup may be the best way to enjoy its benefits while supporting a longer and healthier life.