Drinking coffee in the morning could improve a person’s heart health, a US study has found.

The research, published in the European Heart Journal, says the time a coffee is consumed can make a big difference when it comes to heart health.  

The study of more than 40,000 adults in the US found that morning coffee drinkers lived longer than those who didn’t drink coffee.

“It showed that drinking a moderate amount of coffee, in particular in the morning, may improve your heart health outcomes,” Heart Foundation spokesperson Natalie Raffoul said.

It also showed that morning coffee drinkers were 31 per cent less likely to die from heart disease, while there was no risk reduction for people who drank coffee all day.

The study cited a few possible reasons for the difference in health benefits, saying an afternoon coffee could disrupt a person’s body clock, reducing melatonin production, which is the hormone that regulates sleep.

It also said the anti-inflammatory effects of coffee could be more profound when caffeine consumption is concentrated at the start of the day.

Raffoul says the area of study is still in need of further investigation and a robust randomised controlled trial.

“It’s always good to speak to your doctor about the right amount of caffeine for you, particularly if you have a heart condition,” she said.

The study also showed a reduced risk for both moderate and heavy morning drinkers, but the heart foundation says the “sweet spot” is two to three coffees a day.

Please note the information in this story is general in nature. Please always consult your GP or health professional for advice that is tailored to your specific health concerns.