I’ve been seeing a new “best time to drink coffee” trend every few months, but I have always ignored it for the most part. It’s ironic, I know, considering how conscientious I am about my health otherwise. I make sure to down those ginger shots every day and worry about whether I am getting enough protein in my daily diet. I’ve been told that oat milk was “unhealthy” so along with that, I even discarded my favorite alternative creamer from my routine. When it comes to coffee, though, I’m drinking it whenever I have a chance. Period.
But guess what? I may have been more right than I could have imagined. Apart from the fact that I am not going to remember the “best time to drink coffee” examples every time I feel like having one, it seems that such a time is practically unnecessary. However, the thing that is clear, and it’s actually science-backed, is that there is more than one health benefits that coffee can offer you.
Health benefits of coffee:
“Numerous researches say that consuming a moderate amount of coffee, which is generally up to five cups a day, pours a significant shield from many diseases due to the beverage’s rich antioxidant composition,” explains Anna Beery, RD, LDN, registered dietitian with The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. “There were findings showing that coffee can decrease a person’s risk to Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, several types of cancers, and even Parkinson’s disease.” Moreover, the effect that coffee has on a person’s cognitive function and exercise performance such as weight loss and benefits for athletic ability cannot be denied either, according to Shannon O’Meara, registered dietitian at Orlando Health.
Moreover, coffee not only benefits the body but also helps to improve one’s mood. “Coffee contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, as well as essential nutrients like potassium, niacin, and magnesium,” adds Beery. “They leads to mood improvement and general well-being. The antioxidants in coffee are rather plenty, which is great for reducing oxidative stress, maintaining better cellular health, and preventing chronic diseases.” In conclusion, coffee can be good for people’s health, especially when consumed correctly.
Is there an optimal period for drinking coffee?
Is there a best time to drink coffee and get as many health benefits as possible? The answer is simple: no. “At this time, there is no research suggesting an optimal time of day regarding health benefits associated with coffee consumption,” O’Meara points out. Overall, the perfect time to drink coffee is subjective and based on the individual’s specific needs. “Caffeine levels in coffee generally peaks around 60 minutes after drinking. As such, your schedule and when you need that energy boost will be the most significant effect,” claims the expert.
However, there are still certain things to consider. “Especially if coffee on an empty stomach makes you feel some GI issues, drinking a glass of water (or having your meal) before that cup of joe may do the trick. Additionally, avoid drinking too late in the day to reduce the risk of sleep disturbances,” adds Beery. In conclusion, it probably does not make sense to drink coffee in the late afternoon, only if you do not want to change your sleep schedule. Overall, it should be safe to drink no more than three to five eight-ounce cups a day.
Since the presence of caffeine in coffee nullifies its suitability as a beverage during pregnancy (a limit is 200 milligrams per day, or about two cups), we were bouncing up and down standards. This recommendation can be applied to other caffeinated drinks, such as soda and energy drinks. “Too much caffeine can lead to a faster heart rate, worsened anxiety and difficulty sleeping. Remember that everyone’s caffeine tolerance can vary,” Becky Beery, a dietitian at Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital, noted. One should also adjust the amount of caffeine based on how he feels. Moreover, it is essential to be conscious of one’s individual health needs to set proper limits.
Coffee and weight loss
Many people prefer coffee to help them lose weight and boost their metabolism. Is there any ground for such attitudes? “There are studies showing that when coffee is part of a balanced diet, it can cause weight loss and fat burn. Coffee beans have an antioxidant in them that can lead to metabolic rate”. Moreover, the latter is a crucial aspect, as most consume coffee with cream and sugar. “Cancel out the portions of cream and sugar in your coffee to get health benefits from your drink,” Beery highlighted. As for the timing, “there is no data to prove that weight loss is caused by consuming coffee at a specific time”. In such a way, coffee can prevent gaining weight and trigger fat burn in a balanced diet rather than be the most powerful weight loss tool. Instead, the overall diet and quality of one’s life determines whether one loses weight and speeds up metabolism.
How to be energetic without caffeine
Finally, there are several points one can do to get energetic without caffeine. First and foremost, it is important to have enough sleep. “Adults should get a night sleep of at least 7 hours. To develop better sleep hygiene, decide on a regular bedtime, limit screen time before you go to sleep, and ensure the temperature in your bedroom is cool, dark and quiet,” Ashley O’Meara explains.
Furthermore, in her interview with CNN, O’Meara suggests that apart from sleep, energy levels are largely determined by diet and physical activity. A perfectly balanced diet should have whole grains, lean or plant-based proteins, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. Physical activity also has the potential to improve general well-being. “Regular exercise can greatly increase your perceived energy levels,” O’Meara. According to Berry, reducing stress can also enhance energy. For example, “stress-reducing practices” can be implemented, such as meditation, breathing exercises, or just talking to a friend. I would like to conclude that although there is no right answer to the question of the “best time” for coffee consumption, its advantages for health cannot be denied. Whether one uses it as a mood-improving or cognitive function enhancement tool, a drink to help with weight loss and weight maintenance, or an energy booster to improve exercise performance, it should be enjoyed guilt-free! The most important piece of advice is to maintain a conscious approach to coffee consumption. Make sure it is right for your current state and is not going to violate your night rest.
