Dubai – Qahwa World
Coffee has long been praised for its potential health benefits, but new research suggests that timing may be just as important as quantity. A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that drinking coffee earlier in the day may offer greater health advantages than consuming it later.
Researchers discovered that people who drank coffee during morning hours—roughly between early morning and noon—experienced better long-term health outcomes compared to those who drank coffee later in the day or not at all.
The study’s lead researcher, Dr. Lu Qi, a public health professor at Tulane University, explained that coffee’s health impact isn’t only about how much you drink. Instead, the time of day coffee is consumed appears to play a meaningful role. The research team analyzed dietary and lifestyle data from tens of thousands of U.S. adults collected over nearly two decades. Participants reported what they ate and drank, including the timing and amount of coffee they consumed.
The findings showed that morning coffee drinkers had a significantly lower risk of death from heart-related conditions. They also showed a reduced risk of death from any cause. Interestingly, these benefits appeared regardless of whether participants drank one cup or several, suggesting that timing mattered more than volume.
While researchers caution that additional studies are needed to confirm the results, the evidence points to a simple takeaway: enjoying coffee earlier in the day may be better for overall health than saving it for later.
- Why Late-Day Coffee May Be Less Ideal
Coffee is often misunderstood, but its stimulating effects explain why timing matters. Caffeine increases alertness and energy, which can be helpful during the morning when the body is naturally waking up. Increased alertness can lead to better focus and productivity, which are closely linked to mental well-being. Mental health, in turn, plays an important role in physical health, including heart health.
Problems can arise when coffee is consumed later in the day. For people who work night shifts or prefer staying up late, nighttime coffee may feel necessary. However, caffeine can interfere with the body’s internal clock. Nutrition experts note that caffeine can remain in the body for several hours, meaning even an afternoon cup may affect nighttime sleep.
Poor sleep can have a ripple effect, impacting heart rate, breathing, mood, and stress levels. For some individuals, caffeine late in the day may increase feelings of anxiety or restlessness, making it harder to unwind.
Because of these effects, health experts generally recommend limiting coffee consumption to earlier hours whenever possible. Starting the day with coffee may provide benefits, but drinking it too late could do more harm than good.
- FAQ Questions & Answers
Q1: What is the best time of day to drink coffee?
A: Research suggests that drinking coffee in the morning, between early morning and noon, may provide the greatest health benefits.
Q2: Is morning coffee healthier than afternoon coffee?
A: Yes. Studies indicate that morning coffee consumption is linked to lower risks of heart disease and overall mortality compared to drinking coffee later in the day.
Q3: Does drinking coffee at night affect sleep?
A: Coffee consumed later in the day can interfere with sleep because caffeine stays in the body for several hours and may disrupt the body’s internal clock.
Q4: Does the amount of coffee matter more than timing?
A: According to research, timing appears to be more important than quantity when it comes to long-term health benefits.
Q5: Should night shift workers avoid coffee?
A: Night shift workers may still rely on coffee, but limiting intake closer to sleep time can help reduce negative effects on rest and recovery.
