Morning coffee benefits: It could help you live longer, says study

Drinking coffee early in the day may support natural biological rhythms, giving your body the boost it needs without interfering with sleep or heart health (Image: Pexels)

For many, the morning doesn't actually begin until that first cup of coffee hits the tongue. It's warm, familiar, and often taken without much thought; part habit, part necessity. But what if the timing of your daily brew held more power than you realised?

A growing body of evidence now suggests that sipping your coffee earlier rather than later may do more than perk you up. It could, in fact, help you live longer.

Health benefits of coffee

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Researchers are taking a closer look at when you drink your coffee and not just how much. Drinking coffee early in the day may support natural biological rhythms, giving your body the boost it needs without interfering with sleep or heart health. On the other hand, those multiple cups stretching into afternoon might be sabotaging the benefits you once thought were guaranteed.

According to a study published in the European Heart Journal, a team led by Dr Lu Qi at Tulane University examined health data from over 40,000 US adults through the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The researchers aimed to understand if the timing of coffee intake affected long-term health outcomes.

According to the results, those who drank coffee only in the morning had a 16 percent lower risk of death from all causes, and a 31 percent lower risk of cardiovascular-related death, compared to non-coffee drinkers. In contrast, all-day coffee sippers did not enjoy these benefits.

Also read | Health benefits of coffee: 10 tips to turn it into a good habit

5 reasons to enjoy your coffee only in the morning

It supports your body’s natural clock: Drinking coffee early aligns with your circadian rhythm, your body’s internal system for sleep, digestion, and hormones. Late caffeine can throw this off, disturbing your rest and recovery.

You may live longer: Morning-only coffee drinkers in the study had a significantly lower risk of dying from heart-related illnesses or any cause.

Better sleep, equals good health: Caffeine lingers. A cup at 4 p.m. might still be in your system at bedtime, disrupting the deep rest your body needs for repair.

Fewer jitters, more focus: Morning caffeine is more likely to give you calm alertness. Afternoon or evening doses often lead to restlessness or anxiety.

It encourages mindful drinking: Sticking to mornings can help curb overconsumption. You’ll enjoy your brew more, and likely avoid adding extra sugars or snacks that sneak in with late-day cups.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.