Morning coffee consumption reduces risk of premature death by up to 31%

Café

Café - Photo: Yalcin Sonat/Shutterstock.com

A study published in European Heart Journal in January 2025 points out that the time of coffee intake significantly influences the reduction of the risk of premature death. Pesquisadores analyzed data from 40,725 adults between 1999 and 2018 and identified that drinking coffee only in the morning has greater benefits than consumption at other times of the day. The survey tracked 4,295 deaths from all causes during approximately ten years of follow-up.

The results show clear protection: people who consumed coffee only in the morning had a 16% lower risk of death from all causes. The reduction was even more significant for deaths from cardiovascular diseases, with a decline of 31%. Nenhuma similar advantage was observed in participants who drank coffee throughout the day.

Metodologia and analyzed period

Pesquisadores examined dietary information collected between 1999 and 2018 through a national survey. The coffee consumed included versions with and without caffeine, classified into three periods: morning (4 am to 11:59 am), afternoon (12 pm to 4:59 pm) and evening (5 pm to 3:59 am). The team identified two main consumption patterns: morning-only intake and distribution throughout the day.

Durante the monitoring period, the following were recorded:

  • 4,295 deaths from all causes
  • 1,268 deaths from cardiovascular diseases
  • 934 deaths from cancer

The results remained consistent even after adjusting for variables such as sleep duration, age, race, sex, physical activity level, diet quality and pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol.

Quantidade consumed is not decisive

The research revealed surprising data: the amount of coffee consumed in the morning does not change the benefits observed. Pessoas who drank less than one cup showed similar results to those who consumed more than three cups a day. Esse pattern demonstrates that the timing of consumption overrides quantity as a protective factor.

Pesquisadores emphasized the importance of the specific moment of ingestion. Coffee consumption in the morning was shown to be superior to any other habit evaluated in relation to mortality risk. The correlation remains valid regardless of the daily amount consumed.

Mecanismos biological in question

The study’s lead author suggests that drinking coffee in the afternoon or evening can disrupt circadian rhythms and affect the production of hormones like melatonin. Reduced Níveis of this hormone is associated with increased blood pressure, elevated oxidative stress and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Essa biological hypothesis offers plausible explanation for the differences observed between groups. The time of ingestion interferes with physiological processes so that nighttime consumption compromises the body’s natural mechanisms. Pela In the morning, the body is in a different state, allowing for more efficient metabolism of caffeine.

Limitações and open issues

Research establishes correlation, not causation. Pesquisadores recognize that drinking coffee in the morning can be an indicator of a healthy lifestyle in general. Pessoas with this habit tend to practice regular physical activity and avoid ultra-processed foods more frequently.

The team said: “We could not rule out the possibility that morning coffee drinking is an indicator of an overall healthy lifestyle.” Essa important caveat suggests that additional behavioral factors may be contributing to the observed results. Morning consumption can reflect a disciplined routine and other choices that are beneficial to health.

Contexto coffee consumption history

Previous Estudos have already associated moderate coffee intake with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and premature death. Scientific evidence remained inconsistent regarding the influence of genetics, amount consumed and added sweeteners. Este new work contributes with an element not yet explored: the specific time of consumption.

The study published in 2025 represents a significant advance in demonstrating that temporal factors influence as much as the amount ingested. Future Pesquisas should investigate whether this relationship holds across different populations and cultural contexts.