When it comes to the best time to drink coffee, it can be an individual choice. The timing of one’s coffee consumption is relative to one’s lifestyle and day-to-day routine. However, for those of us looking for optimal energy, improved concentration and focus, and clear thinking, certain times are better than others. Below, we explore the science and facts behind the optimum time to drink coffee – and how to get the most ‘buzz’ out of every cup.
Coffee has a half-life of six hours, meaning its effects will dissipate just half in that amount of time. That is, if a person drinks three cups in one day, the amount of energy, alertness, and concentration they will get from it drops to just 25% after just 18 hours.
Research suggests that coffee’s half-life is seemingly higher in the presence of other foods, meaning coffee consumed in the morning with breakfast may be more potent than coffee taken later in the day. However, when it comes to coffee timing, the primary focus should be on not consuming it too late, as this can induce insomnia or interfere with the body’s natural biorhythms.
Depending who you ask, mid-morning is usually regarded as the ideal time to drink coffee to fuel your day. Taking your coffee between 9 and 11:30am, allows you to hit the sweet spot. You’ll be able to ride the wave of caffeine, giving you the boost you need to tackle those morning tasks, before it’s too late to begin to wind down.
Most experts agree that coffee consumption should be kept ahead of the afternoon lull. In other words, it’s probably best not to have coffee after 3 pm to avoid any possibility of sleeplessness. As caffeine’s effects have been shown to last up to six hours, drinking coffee too late in the day could cause you to have difficulty falling asleep, resulting in a restless night.
If you’re someone who needs coffee to kickstart their day, consider consuming your cup of joe earlier than usual. Getting up even 15 minutes more ahead of your regular start time could make a huge difference over the long run. This is especially true for those who report having low energy throughout the day, even after drinking coffee.
Coffee can be a powerful tool in helping to boost motivation and promote productivity. That said, it’s important to be mindful of the timing you consume it and how much caffeine you’re taking in. Drinking coffee in the morning could give you up to six hours of good energy and focus, making it a good choice for optimal performance.
When Should You Avoid Caffeine?
Before considering when you should drink your coffee, it’s important to think about when you should avoid it. Generally, one should never drink coffee late at night, as it might interfere with your sleep cycle. Caffeine can have a half-life of up to six hours, causing it to stay in your system late into the evening. Consuming coffee late raises your risk of insomnia and restlessness.
If you’re prone to feeling anxious or anxious, caffeine may not be the ideal beverage for you. Caffeine increases your adrenaline levels, resulting in a racing heart and jitteriness. For those already prone to stress and anxiety, this could only heighten it. For this reason, it is important to assess your feelings before drinking coffee. Some might benefit from avoiding caffeine altogether.
Coffee can take a toll on fertility in both men and women. Research shows that high levels of caffeine in the bloodstream can reduce the chances of conceiving. As such, for those trying to conceive, it is highly recommended to cut back on caffeine or avoid it altogether.
The Benefits Of Coffee
It cannot be underestimated just how powerful coffee is when it comes to alertness and productivity. Studies have shown that not only does it increase energy and reduce fatigue, it can improve concentration and brain performance. This could make it invaluable for those studying and taking exams, allowing one to stay more focused for longer.
Consuming coffee can also benefit athletes, as research has shown that caffeine boosts power output, endurance and reduces perceived exertion. This could be a game changer for those looking to improve their athletic performance.
For workaholics and those who have to put in the extra hours, coffee could be a valuable tool. Not only will the caffeine keep you alert, its effects have been shown to last up to six hours, making it useful for those who have to stay up late.
Alternatives To Coffee
For those avoiding caffeine, it is possible to find energy and alertness without it. If you’re looking for an alternative to coffee, there are herbal teas and green teas available on the market with many boasting incredible health benefits. These have been shown to have relaxing, invigorating and energizing effects.
YerbaMaté, a popular South American beverage, is available in the form of tea and is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is known for its pick-me-up powers and reportedly has high levels of caffeine and chemical compounds that can keep you alert and focused for long periods.
Moreover, electrolyte-filled drinks and certain adaptogen-shot beverages can provide you with long-lasting energy. Adaptogenic herbs and mushrooms are known for their immunity-boosting, stress-relieving and energizing effects. These drinks and shots offer a plethora of benefits and are a healthy alternative to coffee.
Potential Side Effects Of Coffee
Though coffee can have many benefits, it is important to be aware of the potential side-effects it may have. Coffee can increase heart rate, cause nervousness and can possibly cause dizziness and headaches. Caffeine is also a diuretic, meaning it can increase the need to urinate, resulting in dehydration.
Drinking excessive amounts of coffee can lead to coffee intoxication, leading to anxiety, restlessness, palpitations and stomach ache. Excess caffeine can also impact hormonal balance and increase cortisol levels, which can lead to restlessness and potentially sleep disruption.
Moreover, all caffeine consumed, regardless of the form, eventually leads to caffeine tolerance. When this happens, the body needs increasingly higher amounts for it to have the same desired effect. It is therefore important to drink coffee in moderation to avoid caffeine overload.
Storing Coffee Properly
It’s not just the timing of your cup of coffee that matters, but also its quality is important too. Coffee can easily go stale, resulting in a not-so-pleasant experience when drinking it. Thankfully, there are storage tips that you can implement in order to extend a coffees lifespan.
Firstly, store your coffee grounds in an airtight container that is kept in a cool, dry place. High temperatures and humidity can cause the grounds to break down, resulting in a poorer flavor. Moreover, try to avoid exposing your grounds to direct sunlight as this will cause them to deteriorate.
If you have whole beans, it is advised to keep them in an opaque, airtight container, as light can also cause the beans to go stale. Additionally, store away from potential sources of heat and odors, as this can also damage the flavor.
Enhancing The Flavor Of Breaking Coffee
Brewed coffee can be easy to make yet hard to perfect. Many beverages can become too bitter or too acidic. To avoid this and get the most flavor out of every cup, look for quality beans and consider investing in a quality coffee maker that’s able to extract full flavor.
On top of this, grind your beans right before consumption, as pre-ground coffee loses flavor quickly. The size of the grind is also worth looking at, as this affects extraction and overall flavor.
And finally, consider adding other natural flavors to enhance your coffee’s flavor. Coffee is incredibly versatile and can be spiced up, adding sweetness and creaminess. For example, adding cream and coffee, organic cacao powder, cinnamon, cloves and cardamom can help to make coffee a delicious, flavor-packed beverage.
Summary
It is important to consider the timing of your coffee consumption, as well as its quality, to improve its effectiveness. Generally, mid-morning is usually the best time to consume coffee, and it should be avoided late in the day or at night, due to its half-life of up to six hours. To enhance coffee’s flavor and get the most out of it, make sure to store it properly and grind the beans right before consumption.
