An expert has claimed that having one specific drink in the morning may ‘help you live longer’. But, it won’t have the same effect after midday – with some suggesting it may do the opposite.
Millions of Brits drink coffee when they get up in the morning. For some, it’s a non-negotiable part of their wake-up routine.
People who drink at least one cup a morning could add years to their lives – but only if it is black, unsweetened, medium-roast coffee. Lighter roasts generally have more antioxidants, and avoiding added sugars and cream keeps calories low.
This is the claim of American longevity researcher and author Dan Buettner. He says: “I think one of the greatest longevity beverages out there is coffee, 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. Plus, if you are drinking coffee too late in the day, it may interrupt your sleep. [And] bad sleep equals shorter life.”
And it’s not just Dan who has these views. According to a recent study published in the European Heart Journal, it’s not how much coffee you drink that matters, but when you drink it.
The study examined data on how much caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee around 40,000 adults drank every day. At the start of the research, nobody in the entire group had a heart or circulatory disease.
When data was gathered, it was revealed that over a third (36%) of participants mainly drank coffee in the morning, reporting that they had their first cup between 4am and 12pm.
They found that people who mainly drank coffee in the morning were 31% less likely than non-coffee drinkers to die from a heart or circulatory disease after an average of 10 years. The study also looked at people’s risk of dying from cancer, but did not find that drinking coffee at any time of day had a significant impact on their risk.
The researchers also wrote that drinking coffee in the morning might have reduced the risk of dying of heart and circulatory diseases because both decaffeinated and caffeinated coffee contain substances which may reduce inflammation in the body.
Chronic inflammation can increase the risk of fatty material (plaques) building up in the blood vessels, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Reducing your risk of such chronic illnesses by following a healthy, balanced diet could help you live a longer life.
The researchers suggested that morning drinkers may benefit the most from coffee’s potential anti-inflammatory effects as some molecules in the blood that cause inflammation are more active earlier in the day. However, some approach the diet choice with some concerns.
Tracy Parker, a senior dietitian at British Heart Foundation, said: “We already know that drinking coffee in moderation, about 4 to 5 cups a day, is generally fine for most people and does not seem to negatively impact heart health. However, this study suggests that the time of day you drink coffee also matters.
“It’s important to note that this type of study cannot prove cause and effect, so we cannot say for certain that enjoying a cup of coffee with your breakfast will directly reduce your chances of dying from a heart attack or stroke. Nonetheless, having your coffee earlier in the day rather than late at night is unlikely to be harmful and could benefit your heart health.”
Coffee does come with certain risks, primarily related to its caffeine content. Consuming excessive amounts of caffeine can lead to issues such as anxiety, headaches, and an increased heart rate.
Caffeinated coffee may exacerbate heartburn, also known as reflux symptoms. You might also experience heightened urinary symptoms, such as increased frequency and urgency, due to caffeine intake.
On average, up to three to four cups of coffee a day, or approximately 400 milligrams of caffeine, is considered safe for most adults, alongside a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise.
