When to sip: Balancing coffee habits with health studies
Coffee continues to spark controversy and remains a subject of scientific research. A simple question, such as whether you can have it in the evening or should avoid it, doesn't have a straightforward answer because it depends on many factors.
Coffee is one of our favourite beverages, and news reports about it continue to emerge. Numerous studies have proven that it has a very positive effect on health. However, you should not overindulge in it or drink it at inappropriate times.
When to drink coffee
Coffee has earned the title of the best drink to start the day. It's known for its stimulating and energising effects. We often serve it to ourselves after lunch. Drinking an espresso is especially enjoyable after a meal. However, it's commonly known that avoiding coffee in the evening is better, as it can hinder falling asleep.
Time for the last coffee
It's usually recommended to have your last coffee of the day six hours before bed. During this time, caffeine can be flushed out of the body. Caffeine can cause difficulty falling asleep, restless sleep, and frequent nighttime awakenings. It stimulates the nervous system, increases adrenaline and noradrenaline levels, and inhibits the action of adenosine, a neurotransmitter responsible for sleepiness. That's why a small black coffee helps us so much when, for example, we study or work for many hours.
Coffee and the daily rhythm
Recent research has shown that drinking coffee in the morning reduces the risk of premature death by as much as 16%. Beneficial results are seen with both one and three cups. Drinking coffee in the evening did not decrease the risk of death. However, did it have a negative effect? There is no clear answer. Researchers are continuing their studies, but it is noticeable that coffee is significantly linked to the daily rhythm.
Do you want to have coffee in the evening?
- Observe your body. Caffeine affects everyone differently. Not everyone is equally sensitive to its effects.
- In the evening, it is worth choosing coffee with low caffeine content; a good decision is to opt for decaffeinated coffee.
- Another idea is grain coffee, which tastes great, especially with spices.
- You can replace milky coffees with an herbal latte if you like them. Milk foam goes well with chamomile infusion.
- Add spices like cardamom or cinnamon to decaffeinated or grain coffee. They have a relaxing effect.
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