Is it okay to drink coffee after eating yogurt? This question is one that regularly pops up, as many people enjoy yogurt as a snack or breakfast and coffee as an essential part of their daily routine. Coffee and yogurt both have a range of health benefits, so it is important to understand how these two interrelate.
Nutritional experts agree that a combination of the two together can lead to a few issues, including stomach upset or indigestion. Coffee has caffeine, a stimulant that can cause many people to experience an upset stomach, especially when consuming it after a big meal or an acidic food. Therefore, drinking coffee and eating yogurt in close succession is not recommended as the caffeine may cause irritation to the stomach lining.
In addition, yogurt contains bacteria and ingredients with probiotics, which can help to ease digestive issues and improve general gut health. Coffee on the other hand can be highly acidic, which is not the best combination when paired with yogurt. Heartburn and an unsettled stomach may be a result of this combination, so it is best to look for alternatives or to wait at least a few hours before enjoying a cup of coffee after eating yogurt.
If you are trying to decide when the best time is to drink coffee after eating yogurt, it is recommended to wait at least three to four hours before doing so. This allows the body enough time to digest the yogurt and will also help to avoid any adverse effects from the combination.
Many experts, including health coaches and nutritionists, suggest avoiding the combination altogether or substituting coffee for a less acidic let caffeinated hot or cold beverage like green tea, matcha tea, or mate, as these are far gentler on the digestive system. Coffee, however, is still generally safe to drink, but it is important to take additional steps to make it less acidic, such as reducing the amount of added sugar, cream, or dairy, or adding a teaspoon of yogurt to the cup to reduce the effect. Additionally, other types of dairy-free beverages that contain caffeine should also be avoided, such as soy beverages.
Overall, many people enjoy yogurt and coffee without any issues and combining the two may not cause any adverse effects in the body. It is important to keep in mind though, that with some products and ingredients we must use caution and good judgement when combining them. Therefore it is best to either give the body enough time to digest the yogurt before drinking coffee, or to opt for caffeinated hot or cold drinks that are less acidic.
Beverage Alternatives
Instead of coffee, there are many other hot or cold beverages that make an excellent alternative. Some of the top recommendations are green tea, matcha tea, and mate, as these are far less acidic than coffee and rich in health benefits.
Green tea can be consumed either hot or cold and is known for its antioxidant benefits, especially when it comes to reducing inflammation in the body. It is also known to reduce cholesterol and improve brain function.
Matcha tea is a powdered form of green tea, so it not only has the same benefits but enhanced ones. It is rich in antioxidants, helps to boost metabolism, and may also help with weight loss. Mate is a caffeinated tea that is popular in South America and is known for its energizing effects, as well as its ability to reduce hunger cravings.
Health Benefits of Yogurt
Yogurt is an amazing source of protein and probiotics, both of which have a range of health benefits associated with their consumption. Here are a few of the known benefits yogurt can give:
- Improves digestion.
- Reduces inflammation.
- Enhances immune system.
- Builds strong bones.
- Supplies gut healthy bacteria.
- Improves metabolism.
Health Benefits of Coffee
Coffee is an essential part of many people’s lives and contains some surprising health benefits, including:
- Improves energy levels.
- Contains antioxidants.
- Increases alertness.
- Improves mental performance.
- Promotes weight loss.
- Reduces risk of type 2 diabetes.
Considerations when drinking Coffee after Eating Yogurt
When combining the two, it is important to bear in mind that coffee has the potential to cause stomach upset and indigestion. This is usually caused by excessive amounts of caffeine, therefore, it is important to be mindful of how much coffee is consumed, especially after eating yogurt. If the combination is consumed, it is best to look for less acidic alternatives such as green tea, as this is gentler on the digestive system.
Tips for Enjoying Coffee and Yogurt Together
If you are looking to combine the two, here are some great tips for avoiding adverse effects:
- Wait at least three to four hours after eating yogurt before drinking coffee.
- Avoid dairy-free alternatives, as these can also cause adverse effects.
- Make sure to reduce the acidity by avoiding added sugars, cream, and dairy.
- Choose coffee alternatives such as green tea, matcha tea, or mate.
- Add a teaspoon of yogurt to the cup to reduce acidity.
