A leading expert on longevity has revealed that a simple morning habit could have a profound impact on lifespan, drinking coffee before noon.
Dan Buettner, a researcher known for his studies on the world’s “Blue Zones”, regions where people frequently live past 100, claims that timing coffee consumption correctly can significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and improve overall health.
Buettner, who has dedicated years to studying communities with exceptionally long lifespans, shared his insights on social media, emphasizing the benefits of consuming coffee in the morning rather than later in the day.
“I think one of the greatest longevity beverages out there is coffee,” he explained in a recent TikTok video.
“But I think one of the most important secrets to drinking it and living longer is to drink it before noon. If you drink your cup of coffee or two before noon, it actually lowers your chance of cardiovascular disease.
“Whereas, if you are drinking your coffee [in the] afternoon or in the evening, it doesn’t seem to do that.”
His recommendations align with recent findings published in the European Heart Journal, which examined the health effects of coffee consumption at different times of the day.
The study analyzed data from over 40,000 adults and found that those who primarily drank coffee in the morning were 31% less likely to die from cardiovascular disease and 16% less likely to die from any cause compared to those who drank coffee throughout the day or not at all.
Dr Lu Qi, the lead author of the study from Tulane University, highlighted the importance of coffee timing. “This is the first study testing coffee drinking timing patterns and health outcomes,” he stated.
“Our findings indicate that it’s not just whether you drink coffee or how much you drink, but the time of day when you drink coffee that’s important.
“We don’t typically give advice about timing in our dietary guidance, but perhaps we should be thinking about this in the future.”
Experts suggest that consuming coffee later in the day may disrupt sleep patterns, leading to negative health outcomes.
Dr Qi explained: “A possible explanation is that consuming coffee in the afternoon or evening may disrupt circadian rhythms and levels of hormones such as melatonin. This, in turn, leads to changes in cardiovascular risk factors such as inflammation and blood pressure.”
Buettner has spent years advocating for lifestyle choices inspired by the Blue Zones, which include regions in Italy, Japan, Costa Rica, and Greece, where people tend to live longer and healthier lives.
Along with proper coffee consumption, he encourages people to rethink their breakfast habits.
Instead of common Western breakfast staples like bacon or sugary granola, he recommends nutrient-dense meals like minestrone soup, a dish frequently consumed in Sardinia, one of the Blue Zones.
