Coffee’s heart benefits: It’s all in the timing

By analyzing data from over 40,000 adults, researchers at Tulane University discovered that the timing of coffee consumption might matter as much as the quantity. The protective effects were consistent for those drinking two or more cups, though those who drank fewer saw less benefit.

“Food eating and beverage drinking are key circadian time cues,” explained Dr. Lu Qi, who led the study. “Coffee affects sleeping and various circadian rhythm-related hormones such as melatonin, cortisol, and inflammation markers, which are relevant to heart health.” He points to these complex interactions as the likely explanation for why timing matters so much.

To understand the science behind timing your daily brew and what it means for your afternoon coffee habits, Jump to “Heart disease: Morning coffee drinkers may have lower risk of death.”

Also making headlines this week:

• Scientists find ‘memories’ stored in cells across the body
• Sugary drinks linked to millions of diabetes cases
• ‘Hearables' could spot early signs of Alzheimer's

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Stay informed and stay healthy!

Tim Snaith
Newsletter Editor, Medical News Today