Benefits of Drinking Coffee at Different Times
Coffee is a beloved drink of many around the world and it can be consumed whenever you feel like it. But did you know that when it comes to drinking coffee, there are certain times that are beneficial for various reasons?
Firstly, it has been scientifically demonstrated that drinking coffee either in the morning or in the afternoon can be beneficial for your health. For instance, if you are a morning person, drinking coffee in the morning can help you to stay focused and energized and to kick-start your day in the right way. On the contrary, those who are not morning people, drinking coffee in the afternoon can help with boosting alertness and avoiding energy slumps.
Moreover, there are some studies that suggest that it could be beneficial to avoid drinking coffee late in the afternoon and evening. This is because this could have an adverse effect on your sleeping pattern. Research also indicates that drinking coffee shortly before going to bed isn’t ideal as it can keep you awake, due to being rich in caffeine.
In general, the best time to drink coffee is anytime that works for you and your own body. It’s important to remember that everyone is different, so what works for one, might not work for another person. You should also consider a few things – such as: how likely you are to have a caffeine sensitivity, how quickly you process caffeine, how much caffeine you typically consume and your daily energy and alertness levels.
The bottom line is that you need to work out what works best for you. This is the best way for you to get the most out of your daily coffee consumption. Everyone has a different routine and lifestyle, so it would be wise to tailor the timing and consumption of your coffee intake accordingly!
Coffee Drinkers Will Suffer Fewer Side Effects
If you’re a coffee lover there’s extremely good news – drinking it in moderation could provide a wealth of health benefits. Keeping your consumption to 1 or 2 cups a day should be perfectly manageable and can be beneficial in many ways.
For instance, when consumed in moderation, you may experience fewer side effects such as tachycardia, jitteriness and difficulty sleeping. Moreover, it has been associated with a lower risk of liver disease, Parkinson’s disease, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer. These are all positive effects, but like with everything, it’s important to be mindful of your intake as drinking too much coffee can have an adverse effect on your body.
Similarly, some studies suggest that drinking coffee in the morning can help improve mental performance, however, this does depend on the amount you consume. Consuming too much coffee can lead to feelings of anxiety and caffeine tolerance can build up, leading you to need more coffee intake in order to get the same caffeine lift.
Drinking coffee in moderation is the key here, too much caffeine can easily leave you feeling jittered, anxious and unable to sleep. But, if it’s consumed responsibly, it can be beneficial to your health.
Is Coffee Really a Mood Booster?
Given that coffee contains strong antioxidants, some people view drinking coffee as a “mood booster”. Moreover, it has been shown to have positive effects on people’s wellbeing, in turn uplifting their mood. However, it is important to recognize that the positive effects of drinking coffee have been exaggerated, as research doesn’t support the idea that coffee can make people generally happier in life.
One reason why coffee has been thought to have a positive impact on mood is that it contains stimulants. These stimulants can potentially help to improve alertness and performance in people, however this doesn’t necessarily translate to mood boost or even making people “euphoric” as some would suggest.
However, this isn’t to say that coffee doesn’t have a positive impact when it comes to mood. For example, it has been associated with an increased sense of wellbeing and productivity. Though, it is important to recognize that drinking coffee as a way to boost your mood is not a long term solution, and can potentially have adverse effects on serotonin levels in the body, leading to stronger feelings of stress and anxiety.
Positive Practices for Drinking Coffee
If you’re a coffee lover and are looking for the best way to consume coffee, it’s recommended to opt for organic coffee brews, as opposed to coffee from fast-food restaurants. When coffee is prepared using organic ingredients, it’s more nutritious and can even provide additional antioxidants.
It is also important for coffee lovers to be mindful of the amount of coffee they drink each day. Consuming 3-4 cups of coffee per day can be beneficial, however, drinking more than that can lead to dehydration and can even lead to a caffeine addiction in the long run.
It is also recommended to have your cup of coffee plain, or with a natural sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup, instead of loading it up with sugar and cream. Cutting down on processed ingredients and opting for natural ones can help to reduce the amount of calories and saturated fat in your cup of coffee.
Finally, a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle is the key to enjoying coffee with minimal health risks. If the caffeine from coffee is combined with a healthy nutrition and exercise program it can be enjoyed without having an effect on overall wellbeing.
Teetotalers and Alternative Coffee Options
If you’re someone who isn’t a fan of coffee, there is still an array of alternatives for you to consume. For instance, you could opt for herbal tea. Herbal tea isn’t as strong as coffee and is filled with antioxidants, being a great substitute if you’re looking for something that can deliver at least some of the same health benefits.
Another popular alternative? Decaffeinated coffee. Decaf coffee contains a significantly lower amount of caffeine than regular coffee, meaning you can still indulge in the same taste and aroma, without having to worry too much about negative health effects.
Finally, if you’re someone who chooses to be a teetotaler there are many caffeine-free “energy” drinks and tea varieties to choose from. These drinks are usually made from herbal extracts, essential vitamins, amino acids and natural sugars, plus they can even provide an added nutritional boost, being rich in antioxidants and other nutritional benefits.
Coffee’s Impact To Your Wellbeing
It is easy to see how people can fall in love with coffee, given that it can lift our mood and even help increase alertness and productivity. However, like with everything, drinking coffee in moderation is the key. As long as your intake is balanced and moderate, you’ll be able to reap the benefits and enjoy coffee without any adverse effects.
Moreover, when it comes to the best time of day for drinking coffee, it’s always better to listen to your body. Work out whether you are a morning or afternoon person. From there, it is easy to tailor the timing of your coffee consumption around the best time for you.
It’s also important to be aware of your coffee intake. An upcoming coffee date shouldn’t come at the expense of ignoring other important habits, such as exercising and eating well. All in all, coffee can be great for you when consumed responsibly, just make sure that coffee isn’t the only thing you have to look forward to each day.
Conclusion and Summary
All in all, coffee can be a great addition to your daily routine. Whether you’re a coffee lover or a teetotaler, everyone can find a suitable alternative that caters to their specific needs and tastes.
When it comes to the best time of day to have a cup of coffee, it is better to adjust the timing according to the person’s individual lifestyle and routine. However, drinking coffee in the morning and in the afternoon is usually the best option, preferably avoiding late that evening. Overall, drinking coffee in moderation is the best way to reap the full benefits without compromising your wellbeing.
