Do You Crave An Early Morning Coffee? Dos And Don'ts To Keep In Mind

Rich in antioxidants, coffee is also known for its health benefits, such as boosting metabolism and helping prevent chronic diseases. However, it also comes with potential downsides

A morning cup of coffee can help you kick-start your day, offering a boost of energy and preparing you for what's ahead. Many people rely on that single cup, seeing it as a magical elixir. Packed with antioxidants and providing an energy surge, coffee is also known for its health benefits, such as boosting metabolism and helping prevent chronic diseases. However, despite its advantages, coffee does come with potential downsides if consumed without mindfulness. 

6 COFFEE MISTAKES TO AVOID:

1. Drinking coffee on an empty stomach: Many people kickstart their day with a cup of coffee, often on an empty stomach, believing it will boost their energy levels. However, drinking coffee first thing in the morning might not be as beneficial as you think. Scientifically speaking, cortisol, a natural energy-boosting stress hormone, peaks within the first couple of hours after waking. So, it's best to wait until you need that coffee boost.

Moreover, having coffee on an empty stomach can increase stomach acid, leading to digestive discomfort, acid reflux, and other gastrointestinal issues. It's wiser to enjoy your coffee after having breakfast or a snack.

2. Overdose of caffeine: While coffee can provide a temporary energy boost and enhance attention, excessive consumption can be harmful to your health. According to the Food and Drug Administration, drinking 3-5 cups (about 400 mg) of coffee daily can reduce the risk of early death, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, endometrial cancers, Parkinson’s disease, and depression. However, consuming more than 5 cups may reverse these benefits and increase the risk of unwanted side effects such as anxiety, depression, restlessness, nausea, and more. 

3. We let our sweet tooth dominate: Adding too much sugar can easily negate the benefits of coffee. Saturating your coffee with sugar can turn it into a calorie-laden beverage, raising the risk of weight gain, diabetes, and other health issues. If needed, opt for natural sweeteners like stevia or limit the amount of sugar you use.

4. Not drinking enough water: Coffee acts as a diuretic, which can increase urine production and potentially lead to dehydration. To maintain balance, it's crucial to stay hydrated. Dehydration can cause various health issues, including fatigue, headaches, and reduced cognitive function. Ensure you drink plenty of water throughout the day to counteract these effects.

5. Adding unhealthy additives: Unhealthy artificial sweeteners, flavoured syrups, and other additives contribute extra calories and cause spikes in blood sugar levels, leading to weight gain. They can also irritate the digestive system, causing gastrointestinal discomfort. Prolonged consumption of sugary or artificially flavoured coffee may contribute to chronic conditions like heart disease and metabolic syndrome. 

So, it's best to have your first cup of coffee one hour after waking up, ideally between 9:30 AM and 11 AM. It's best to avoid caffeine post-7 pm as it may interrupt your sleep.

(Mubarika Noor is pursuing M.A. (Mass Communication) from Aligarh Muslim University)