Balancing coffee consumption: Foods to avoid for optimal health benefits

Coffee is one of the most universally consumed drinks. For many of us, a day doesn't start without at least one cup of this fragrant beverage. Coffee is not merely a source of energy; it also supplies antioxidants that combat free radicals; it increases our metabolism as well as positively impacts memory and focus. However, we must remember that certain foods can negatively interact with coffee.

Despite the prevalence of myths suggesting that coffee depletes vitamins and minerals from your body, the reality is somewhat dissimilar. Coffee consumption doesn't result in a direct loss of essential vitamins and minerals, but it could affect how these are absorbed. Additionally, it's critical to remember that coffee could influence the absorption and metabolism of certain medication and dietary supplements. Drinking coffee, concurrent with medicine consumption, could diminish their efficacy or lead to undesired interactions. Therefore, coffee should preferably not be drunk up to two hours subsequent to taking medication.

Which foods should be avoided when having coffee? If you're eating cottage cheese for breakfast, it might be a good idea to skip your coffee. Coffee impedes the absorption of calcium, so it is suggested to avoid drinking it during meals containing dairy products such as yoghurt, cottage cheese or kefir.

Similar principles apply if your meal has foods rich in iron like legumes or meat. It is recommended not to pair them with coffee. The caffeine in coffee can hinder the absorption of iron, which, over an extended period, could lead to deficiencies and anemia. Similarly, foods abundant in zinc, such as fish, pork, eggs, or yellow cheese, should ideally not be consumed with coffee. Caffeine could interfere with the absorption of zinc, leading to potential health issues associated with a deficiency of this essential element.