Morning coffee habit linked to longer life and better heart health: Study

A recent study reveals that a morning coffee habit may be associated with increased longevity and improved heart health, emphasizing its potential benefits.

Morning Coffee Linked to Longer Life and Healthier Heart: Key Findings

A recent study suggests that drinking coffee in the morning may reduce the risk of early death and heart disease compared to not drinking coffee or consuming it throughout the day.

Researchers from Tulane University analyzed data from over 40,000 U.S. adults as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2018). They identified two coffee-drinking patterns: morning-only and all-day drinkers. Results showed that morning coffee drinkers (those consuming coffee between 4:00 a.m. and noon) had a 16% lower risk of death from any cause and a 31% lower risk of dying from heart disease compared to non-drinkers.

Interestingly, the benefits applied regardless of the number of cups consumed or whether the coffee was caffeinated or decaffeinated. However, all-day coffee drinkers did not exhibit the same reduced mortality risks.

The Science Behind Morning Coffee Benefits
Researchers hypothesized that morning coffee aligns with the body's natural sleep-wake cycles, helping reduce inflammation, which is often higher in the morning and associated with heart disease risks.

The study, published in the European Heart Journal, did not find a significant link between coffee consumption and reduced cancer mortality. This could be due to the limited number of cancer cases studied or variations in how coffee might affect different types of cancer.

Study Limitations and Lifestyle Factors
The study relied on self-reported coffee habits, which could introduce inaccuracies, and didn’t account for long-term coffee consumption patterns. Additionally, researchers acknowledged that healthier lifestyle habits, such as better diets and exercise, might partly explain the observed benefits among morning coffee drinkers.

Expert Perspectives
Experts caution against changing coffee habits solely based on this study. Dr. Perry Fisher, a cardiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital, emphasized the need for more research to establish a definitive relationship. Dr. Jennifer Miao, a Yale New Haven Health cardiologist, noted that while moderate coffee consumption may benefit heart health, it’s crucial to consult a doctor before making changes, especially for individuals with existing health risks.

The study’s lead author, Dr. Lu Qi, stressed the importance of further research, including studies with participants from diverse populations and clinical trials, to validate these findings.

Conclusion
While this study adds to evidence supporting the health benefits of moderate coffee consumption, particularly in the morning, experts urge caution. Maintaining a balanced lifestyle and consulting healthcare providers remain essential for overall well-being.

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Source: abcnews‍