Coffee is an integral part of the morning ritual for many of us. Its aroma wakes you up and gives you energy for the day. But have you ever wondered what effect morning coffee has on your body? Is drinking coffee right after waking up a good idea? In this article we will take a closer look at this topic, discussing both the advantages and disadvantages of morning coffee.
Benefits of drinking coffee in the morning
Coffee is a beverage with many health-promoting properties. It contains caffeine, which has a stimulating effect on the nervous system, improving concentration, memory and learning ability. Morning coffee can therefore help us start the day better and perform tasks more efficiently.
Here are the key benefits:
- Stimulation and energy: the caffeine in coffee blocks adenosine, the neurotransmitter responsible for feeling sleepy. As a result, we feel more stimulated and have more energy.
- Improving cognitive function: Coffee has a positive effect on concentration, memory and cognitive abilities.
- Metabolism support: Caffeine speeds up metabolism, which can contribute to fat reduction.
- Rich in antioxidants: coffee is rich in antioxidants, which protect the body from free radicals and oxidative stress.
- Reducing the risk of diseases: Studies show that regular coffee drinking can reduce the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and some cancers.
Is drinking coffee on an empty stomach a good idea?
Many people drink coffee right after waking up, on an empty stomach. Unfortunately, this habit can have a negative impact on our health. Fasting coffee can irritate the stomach mucosa, leading to heartburn, indigestion and other digestive problems. In addition, it can interfere with the production of cortisol, the stress hormone, which in turn can lead to concentration problems, mood swings and weakened immunity.
When is the best time to drink coffee?
Experts recommend waiting at least an hour after waking up before reaching for the first cup of coffee. During this time, cortisol levels in the body naturally drop, and coffee drunk at this time will have an optimal stimulating effect.
The ideal time for coffee is between 9:30am and 11:30am and between 1:30pm and 5pm. During these hours, our body is most susceptible to the effects of caffeine.
How to drink coffee to avoid negative effects?
To enjoy the benefits of coffee and minimize the risk of side effects, it is worth following a few rules:
- Drink coffee in moderation: the recommended daily dose of caffeine is 400 mg, which is equivalent to about 4 cups of coffee.
- Don’t drink coffee on an empty stomach: Wait at least one hour after waking up.
- Choose high-quality coffee: Avoid instant coffee and flavored coffees, which often contain a lot of sugar and artificial additives.
- Add milk to your coffee: Milk neutralizes the acids in coffee, reducing the risk of stomach irritation.
- Avoid drinking coffee before bed: Caffeine can make it difficult to fall asleep and cause sleep problems.
Alternatives to morning coffee
If you can’t imagine a morning without a cup of hot beverage, but want to avoid the negative effects of coffee, you can turn to healthier alternatives:
- Cereal coffee: This is a decaffeinated beverage, rich in fiber and B vitamins.
- Yerba mate: This is a stimulant drink that contains matein, a substance with effects similar to caffeine, but gentler on the stomach.
- Green tea: This is an antioxidant-rich drink that has a stimulating effect, but contains less caffeine than coffee.
Summary
Morning coffee can be both friend and foe to our body. On the one hand, it gives us energy, improves concentration and has many health-promoting properties. On the other hand, if drunk on an empty stomach, it can irritate the stomach and disrupt hormone production.
The key to reaping the benefits of coffee drinking is moderation and proper timing. Remember to drink coffee in moderation, not on an empty stomach and avoid it before bedtime. This way we will be able to enjoy its taste and its beneficial effects on our body.
