The perfect morning brew: Coffee's role in reducing early death risks
Coffee is not only one of the most popular beverages in the world but also one of the most controversial. Some people categorize the morning ritual of drinking coffee alongside substances like alcohol and cigarettes. However, with growing knowledge about the health benefits of coffee, such comparisons face understandable resistance. Coffee can positively impact the body, although the timing of consumption is crucial.
An article published in the "European Heart Journal" discussed research on how the timing of coffee consumption affects the risk of premature death. Scientists examined a sample of over 40,000 individuals who tracked their coffee-drinking habits between 1999 and 2018. The analysis included both regular and decaffeinated coffee.
How does coffee affect the body?
Coffee stimulates the body, awakening both mind and body. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Interestingly, our entire body operates on a specific daily rhythm, including markers of inflammation in the blood. These markers peak in the morning and gradually decline, reaching their lowest levels around 5:00 PM. A cup of black coffee in the morning helps reduce inflammation, which is most noticeable at that time. Coffee also contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage.
Researchers have also looked into the effect of coffee on melatonin production. Coffee consumed in the afternoon and evening can decrease melatonin levels 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 research materials, a team led by Dr. Lu Qi from Tulane University in New Orleans identified two patterns of coffee consumption. In one pattern, accounting for 36 percent of participants, coffee was consumed only in the morning. In the other pattern (14 percent of participants), coffee was consumed throughout the day. During the study 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 do these data relate to coffee consumption? It turns out that drinking coffee in the morning can reduce the risk of premature death by up to 16 percent. This benefit is seen with both one and three cups. Drinking coffee in the evening did not reduce the risk of death. While there is no definitive answer regarding negative effects, scientists plan to continue their research. It's clear, however, that coffee is significantly linked to our daily rhythms.
Is an evening cup of coffee healthy?
Scientists generally agree that morning coffee 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 have not shown that coffee increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases or cancer. On the contrary, there's evidence of a decreased risk of other diseases, such as chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes.
The healthiest option is plain black coffee, without added sugar, sweeteners, syrups, or milk. Lighter roasted coffee has a more favorable impact on the body. Heavily roasting coffee can lead to harmful compounds, such as acrylamide, which can harm health if levels exceed permissible limits.
