Mangoes and coffee often come up together in conversation. Whether you’re deciding between lunch options or debating the health impacts of what you’re about to have, people are unsurprisingly keen to know: can I drink coffee after eating mango?
Though it might seem like a simple question with a straightforward answer, there’s actually much more complexity to this food pairing than meets the eye. To start, let’s ask a deeper question: what do mangoes and coffee have in common, and why might they be a pairing worth examining?
Mangoes and coffee each contain compounds that have a causal effect on the human digestive system. In mangoes, these compounds are found in the form of dietary fiber. This substance helps to promote a healthy microbiome, which is important for absorption of nutrients. As for coffee, the main compound here is caffeine, which helps to stimulate the digestive system as well.
If we examine the psychological benefits of eating mangoes or drinking coffee, we’ll see another layer of complexity emerge. Foods and beverages have emotional ties to them that can’t be filtered out simply by going through the chemical compounds. For example, coffee often brings feelings of energy and alertness. Meanwhile, eating a slice of fresh mango is often seen as a way to cool off, like taking a dip in the pool on a hot summer day.
It’s not just the psychological benefits that matter. The composition of the coffee and the mango can also affect how they interact. For example, if the coffee is acidic, it could cause the mango to sour more quickly. Or if the coffee is decaffeinated, it could draw out more of the sweetness in the mango. Again, it’s all about the level of complexity here.
The last piece of the puzzle is the timing of the pairing. Since mangoes and coffee both have compounds that can stimulate digestion, it’s important to be aware of how long after eating the mango you should wait to drink the coffee. Depending on the composition of your mango, the optimal time between eating it and drinking the coffee could be anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour.
The takeaway from all this is that the question of whether or not you can drink coffee after eating mango isn’t a simple one. It’s important to look at the composition of the mango and coffee you’re about to enjoy, their psychological effects, and the timing of the pairing. With this information in mind, you can make an informed decision as to whether this particular food pairing is right for you.
Health Benefits associated with mango
Mangoes provide a wide range of health benefits that cannot be found in any other fruit. This delicious tropical fruit is high in essential minerals such as potassium, folic acid, vitamin A and vitamin C. It is also an excellent source of dietary fiber. Moreover, the yellow and orange pigments in mango are known to assist in providing the body with antioxidants which help to reduce inflammation and ward off chronic diseases like cancer. Not to mention, most of the calories in mango come from natural sugars and can provide the perfect energy boost for workouts, sports and other activities.
Adding to its health benefits, mangoes are also believed to promote healthier skin. The antioxidants present in mangoes can help to fight signs of aging, leaving your skin looking younger and healthier. Additionally, the vitamins and minerals can help to nourish the skin from within. This can otherwise be difficult to achieve through topically applied treatments alone.
Lastly, some research has shown that mangoes can help to boost the immune system by supplying the body with high amounts of vitamin C. Additionally, it is believed that consuming high amounts of these antioxidants can help to keep the body healthy, resulting in fewer illnesses.
Psychological Impact of consuming coffee
The psychological impact of coffee consumption are more subtle and longer-lasting than its short-term benefits. Caffeine has been found to improve certain cognitive functions, such as focus and decision-making. It has also been linked to improved athletic performance and even happier moods as well as a sense of wellbeing.
In addition to its cognitive effects, coffee consumption has been linked to improved physical health. Studies have found that moderate coffee consumption can reduce one’s chances of developing Type 2 diabetes, as well as protect against certain cancers, such as prostate cancer. Studies are also underway to investigate the link between coffee consumption and the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.
Coffee consumption is also associated with improved mental health. One study found that those who consumed up to four cups of coffee per day experienced fewer symptoms of depression than those who did not. Furthermore, evidence suggests that coffee consumption may help to reduce the risk of developing anxiety disorders as well. Lastly, coffee consumption may also reduce the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
Physical Benefits of Combining Mango & Coffee
Combining mango with coffee can provide physical benefits to your body. First, mangoes are a rich source of fiber, which can help to reduce cholesterol, regulate blood sugar, and aid digestive health. Coffee, on the other hand, contains various compounds such as caffeine that can help to boost energy and alertness.
By combining mangoes and coffee, the benefits of each food can be optimized. For example, caffeine can help to increase the absorption of dietary fiber in mangoes, which allows the body to more effectively access its nutrients. Additionally, the combination can provide increased energy, helping to reduce fatigue and improve performance.
Caffeine and dietary fiber can also help to reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases. For example, a diet high in both caffeine and dietary fiber can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer. And, of course, these benefits are enhanced when the dietary fiber comes from a natural source such as mango.
The combination of mango and coffee is also beneficial for weight loss. Caffeine can help to increase metabolism, while dietary fiber helps to make you feel fuller for longer. This can make it easier to manage cravings and avoid overeating.
Are there any risks associated with combining mango & coffee?
Though there are many benefits associated with combining mango and coffee, there are some risks to be aware of. For instance, caffeine can be addictive, and consuming too much can lead to insomnia, anxiety, and irritability.
Additionally, coffee can stimulate the digestive system, which can cause indigestion, heartburn, and nausea if the coffee is consumed after the mango. As such, it’s important to wait a sufficient amount of time before consuming the coffee to ensure the digestive system is not overwhelmed.
It’s also important to note that caffeine has been linked to higher levels of stress hormones. This can increase one’s risk of heart attack or stroke if consumed in high amounts. Therefore, it’s best to limit caffeine intake, regardless of the food that it is paired with.
Lastly, it’s worth noting that combining too much sugar with coffee can have negative effects on one’s health. For example, the combination can cause a spike and crash of blood sugar levels, leading to feeling of fatigue and low energy.
Steps to Take for Consumption
If you’re considering combining mango and coffee, there are a few steps you should take. First, be sure to purchase high-quality coffee that has been produced organically, as this will ensure the best health benefits. Additionally, be mindful of the type of coffee you choose, as certain types can contain high levels of caffeine.
Furthermore, it’s important to find organic mangoes that are ripe, as this will provide the most nutritious compounds and help to reduce the risk of any potential negative effects associated with consuming mangoes. Lastly, be mindful of the timing, and avoid consuming coffee too soon after eating a mango.
Alternatives to Enjoy
Though combining mango and coffee is an option to consider, there are a few alternatives worth exploring as well. For instance, smoothies can be a great way to get creative with your food, combining different fruits and superfoods like chia and flaxseed for incredible health benefits.
Adding a scoop of protein powder to your smoothies can be a great way to boost energy during the day. If you’re looking for something with a bit of a kick, add some ginger for a zingy flavor or some matcha for a caffeine boost. You can even sprinkle a bit of cinnamon for a delicious flavor and even greater health benefits.
If smoothies aren’t your style, oatmeal can make for a great snack. Pairing oatmeal with mangoes and other fruits is an excellent way to start the day, providing you with many of the important nutrients you need while giving you a boost of energy to get through the morning.
Finally, if you’re looking for something with a bit of a caffeine punch, there are some great non-coffee alternatives out there, such as green tea, yerba mate, and guayusa. All of these beverages contain much lower levels of caffeine, so you don’t have to worry about any of the negative effects associated with too much caffeine.
