Drink coffee to wake up? Scientists find another compelling reason to enjoy the popular beverage

For many people, morning coffee is a ritual that starts the day. A new study suggests its effects may extend beyond helping people wake up.

Research published in the European Journal of Nutrition found a link between regular coffee consumption and body composition. Among 2,264 participants, people who drank three to four cups a day had less body fat and more muscle mass on average than those who drank less coffee or none at all. Their body mass index values, however, were similar.

The finding is especially notable for visceral fat, the tissue that builds up around internal organs and is associated with a higher risk of cardiometabolic problems. Nutritionist Melissa Prest said the results suggest coffee may be associated with a more favorable body composition, rather than simply a lower number on the scale.

BMI does not show how much of a person’s weight comes from muscle or fat, nor where that fat is located. Researchers do not yet know why coffee is linked to the findings. The beverage contains biologically active compounds, including chlorogenic acids and other polyphenols. Earlier research has also associated moderate coffee consumption with a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes and some cardiovascular diseases.

The article notes that some benefits have appeared in studies of decaffeinated coffee, suggesting caffeine may not be the only factor. Preparation also matters. Unfiltered coffee, including French press and boiled coffee, contains diterpenes that can raise LDL cholesterol in some people, while paper filters remove much of these compounds.

For most healthy adults, up to 400 milligrams of caffeine a day is generally considered unlikely to cause negative effects. Depending on cup size and preparation, that may equal roughly two to four cups, but it is an upper limit, not a target. Some people may experience nervousness, palpitations or sleep problems at much lower levels. Experts also warn against increasing coffee consumption to lose fat or build muscle, pointing instead to regular activity, strength training, adequate protein, a balanced diet and sleep.

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The results suggest that regular coffee consumption could be associated with a more favorable body composition, rather than simply a lower number on the scale.