Originating from Ethiopia, black coffee is one of the oldest and most loved drinks in the world. It is a powerful source of caffeine, which is known for its energising effects. Despite its smoky and bitter taste, black coffee can be an incredibly beneficial and enjoyable beverage with plenty of health benefits from improved focus and alertness to liver health protection and many more.
When it comes to drinking black coffee, people often question when the best time is. The short answer is that it varies from person to person. Each individual has different individual coffee needs and tolerance levels to caffeine.
The majority of GPs suggest drinking coffee moderately and not too late in the evening. The reason for this is that caffeine found in coffee can stay in the system for longer than you think, up to twelve hours or even more. This can interfere with sleep, leading to an accumulation of sleep deprivation over time.
Coffee can also affect hormone levels, which can have a knock-on effect on how mentally and physically we feel, depending on the time. For example, coffee too early in the morning, can interfere with natural hormones that are released when we wake up, resulting in lower productivity throughout the day.
Therefore, the best time to drink black coffee, most likely depends on what type of person you are, the amount of sleep you’re getting and how caffeine affects you. For some, having a cup of coffee first thing in the morning might be the best way to start the day, while others might find it beneficial to have a cup after lunch.
Coffee is only really ‘bad’ for you, if you over-indulge. Most health experts agree that one to two cups of black coffee per day is on the safe side for most people. Knowing your limits and striving for a healthy balance makes the best sense.
Understanding the Side Effects of Caffeine
Although there are numerous benefits to drinking black coffee, the key to reaping its benefits without unwanted side effects is understanding exactly how caffeine affects your body in turn.
Caffeine is known to increase cortisol levels when consumed early in the morning and this can be stimulating, counteracting its positive effects. Therefore, it is generally advised to avoid too much caffeine when cortisol is at its peak. If your cortisol levels are low, meaning you are feeling sluggish, caffeine can be a great pick-me-up to energise you.
It is also important to note that the effect of caffeine can depend on the type of coffee you prefer. Stronger coffee, such as espresso or filter coffee, can provide more caffeine concentration and stimulate the effects quicker than other forms. If you are unsure about the amount of caffeine provided in your coffee, it is important to look for its label or do some research.
Moreover, if you are sensitive to caffeine it is best to have a break from coffee every once in a while to take some time off from the intense effects of caffeine and give the body a break. Also, mixing coffee with energy drinks is generally not recommended, as the amount of caffeine, vitamins and pieces of sugar can be too stimulating and can potentially cause harm to your health.
Poor Relationship with Caffeine
Developing a healthy relationship with coffee can be difficult and unhealthy if your coffee dependency is too strong. If coffee is significantly affecting your thoughts, behaviour and sleep, it is a strong sign of being dependent on it. Even if you are already aware of your dependence, it is not easy to kick the habit.
Confronting this dependency and finding replacement strategies are essential steps to overcoming addiction to coffee. The most important thing is to find out why you are drinking coffee and if there are other things you can focus on to fill the gap. Finding a replacement that still provides a certain type of enjoyment and happiness can be anything from going for a walk in nature, changing up routines or getting in contact with a friend.
Moreover, understanding the connection between coffee and your energy levels is important. Consuming coffee for an energy or mood lift before or during a busy period can be a great boost, however, drinking coffee to keep going can be dangerous and can lead to further exhaustion.
When trying to consume black coffee in moderation, the key is to truly understand the effects it has on your body and living in a state of balance to live a healthy lifestyle. When consumed responsibly, black coffee can be a great way to start the day, providing additional energy, focus and alertness.
Beneficial Health Benefits
Black coffee is packed with essential minerals, vitamins and nutrients that can offer certain health benefits. It is a great source of antioxidants, which are known to fight inflammation, reduce oxidative stress and reduce the risk of certain diseases.
In addition, black coffee contains an impressive level of nutrients such as magnesium, potassium and niacin, which help to maintain healthy bones, muscles and alertness. Furthermore, caffeine has been known to reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, heart failure and stroke.
Furthermore, recent studies have also suggested that moderate consumption of black coffee can enhance software and physical performance due to its stimulating effects. The caffeine in black coffee acts as a stimulant and can heighten vigilance, improve cognitive performance and help to reduce fatigue during demanding tasks.
Therefore, drinking black coffee in moderation can offer numerous health benefits. Nonetheless, it is important to remember that too much caffeine can result in insomnia and agitation, so it is important to understand your individual needs and balance your coffee intake accordingly.
The Different Types of Coffee
When it comes to the type of coffee, there are many different types of black coffee available from filter, espresso, Americano and latte to iced black coffee. The most regular type of black coffee is the filter, which allows grounds to sit in the water for a few minutes to absorb the flavour. It is also the most consumed type of coffee.
The espresso comes in a small cup and is thick and strong. Significantly, an espresso contains much less water than a filter coffee and is made with a special filter machine. Similarly, an Americano is a type of filter coffee that uses espresso and adds hot water to it. Latte is made with espresso and steamed milk. Lastly iced black coffee is made with espresso, cold water and a few ice cubes.
Cooking with Black Coffee
Black coffee is a great addition to food, giving any dish more complex flavour. It is a popular ingredient added to desserts and sauces, giving them a unique and rich and aroma. As coffee grounds are the substance used most commonly, they bring a bitter and intriguing flavour perfect for sauces.
Coffee will bring rich and bittersweet flavour to dishes like bbq sauce or spicy and rich marinades for meats. In addition, coffee can be used as an ingredient for cakes and other baked goods. Furthermore, coffee can also be used for extra flavour for jelly, chocolate mousses, ice cream and chocolate fondue.
It is important to note that when using coffee grounds, different cooking techniques have to be employed, such as adding it gradually to dishes. This is because the coffee will lose its flavour and leave a bitter taste if the cooking process is rushed.
Alternative to Drinking Coffee
Although coffee is a great and beneficial beverage, there are plenty of natural alternatives out there that can also provide similar energising and refreshing effects. Some of these alternatives include, matcha green tea, green juices, turmeric tea, chaga mushrooms and even certain fruits.
Matcha green tea is an energetic substitute and a great source of antioxidants. It has significantly lower caffeine than coffee and it is designed to give you the energy needed to face the day without putting a strain on your nervous system.
Green juices are also a popular replacement, rich in vitamins A and C, magnesium, potassium and copper. By adding greens, herbs and other vegetables, there are healthier and nutritive options for getting the energy to move.
Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant that can be added to water and brewed as a tea. As a result, it can help to reduce any notes of tiredness and sluggishness in the morning, while giving the body an essential boost.
Chaga mushrooms contain significant amounts of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and they provide natural balance to liven up your day and give you all the energy you need.
Lastly, fruits offer complex natural sugars that can give us sustained energy and keep us going throughout the day. Fruits such as bananas, apples, pineapple and orange can offer a great natural alternative.
