Coffee Before or After Breakfast? Let’s Answer This Question With Facts
Today’s generation depends on a heavy dose of caffeine in the form of a steaming cup of coffee right after waking up. You end up drinking coffee before breakfast on an empty stomach. Undeniably, drinking coffee does come with it’s own plus points like an instant energy burst, a strong taste, and it’s ability to keep you alert when you feel like a zombie.
Caffeine has become an essential part of people’s lifestyle everywhere. Most people love to have coffee with breakfast. Indeed, many deem it as an essential drink without which no breakfast meal can be complete.
This habit is so ingrained in us that we don’t think it necessary to examine whether it is causing us more harm or good. When it comes to the timing of consuming coffee, there seems to be innumerable opinions of people. Let’s find out the correct way of taking it, with breakfast, before, or after breakfast?
Is It Better to Drink Coffee Before or After Breakfast?
According to studies, consuming strong black coffee before breakfast has the effect of raising the blood glucose response to breakfast. It can cause insulin resistance, hence it becomes important to eat something before consuming it. You may be tempted to gulp down a cup of coffee after a poor sleep to keep yourself awake but it will not benefit you in the long run.
You should never drink coffee on an empty stomach especially if you have suffered from a broken sleep the night before. The best way of consuming coffee is to first have your breakfast and then drink this beverage.
What to Eat before Drinking Coffee
If you wake up at the same time every day then it’s best to make a habit of drinking coffee after breakfast. It can be anywhere from around 9:30 AM to 12:00 AM at noon. During this time, your cortisol levels are low. Hence, coffee will give you an energy boost and you will not find yourself experiencing mid-afternoon slump.
Caffeine dehydrates your body. Thus, to prevent yourself from getting dehydrated, consume some fiber rich food items like fruits, or wholegrain cereals before reaching for that cup of joe. Take your supplements, if you consume any and hydrate yourself with plenty of water as soon as you wake up. You should drink coffee only after you have eaten something.
How Long after Eating Can I Drink Coffee?
Now that you know that drinking coffee on an empty stomach isn’t exactly healthy, it’s time to find out how long you should wait after your breakfast to have it. One crucial thing for you to remember is that caffeine hinders the absorption of essential micronutrients like iron and folate. It is recommended that you leave a gap of at least 1-2 hours before drinking coffee after your breakfast.
How to Make Your Coffee Healthier?
There are many ways by which you can make your cup of joe healthier as well as tastier so that instead of dehydrating your body, it will only benefit it. Just follow the tips given below.
Avoid adding too much sugar or swap it for a sugar free alternative like stevia.
Substitute your regular dairy milk with almond milk as it contains fewer calories per serving.
Do not add artificial creamers into your coffee as they are filled with many preservatives.
Try adding cinnamon into your cup. It has positive effects on your metabolism.
Do not consume coffee a few hours before you sleep as it will interrupt your rest.
Coffee has many benefits but it can also interfere with your body’s ability to synthesize nutrients if it is not consumed at the right time. It’s always a good idea to eat a little bit of something before reaching out for it.