4 Coffee Mistakes That Can Undo Its Health Benefits

27 May, 2025

Starting the day with a cup of coffee has become a ritual for many. However, whether coffee is beneficial or harmful depends on how you consume it. From adding too much milk to drinking it on an empty stomach, these common mistakes can silently harm your health. So, how can we drink coffee in a way that maximizes its potential health benefits?

1. Adding Too Much Milk to Your Coffee

Some people prefer to add a generous amount of milk to their coffee to make it more palatable. However, research suggests that polyphenols, the beneficial antioxidants in coffee, bind to the proteins in milk, reducing their absorption in the gut.

Optimal solutions:

Minimize the use of regular cow’s milk.
Opt for plant-based alternatives such as almond, oat, or organic coconut milk.
For maximum benefits, consider drinking your coffee black without any additives.

One of the mistakes when drinking coffee is to use too much milk.

2. Drinking Coffee on an Empty Stomach in the Morning

It is a common practice for many people to drink coffee first thing in the morning before eating anything. However, consuming coffee on an empty stomach can increase the stress hormone cortisol, leading to restlessness, increased heart rate, stomach aches, and even fatigue throughout the day.

Solution:

Before drinking coffee, have a light snack with protein, fiber, and healthy fats (such as eggs, whole grains, or peanut butter) to stabilize blood sugar, reduce cortisol spikes, and maintain balanced energy levels throughout the morning.

3. Choosing the Wrong Type of Coffee

According to experts, consuming coffee of unknown origin or containing high levels of chemicals (pesticide residues, artificial colors, etc.) can disrupt gut microbiota, affect hormones, and have other long-term health consequences.

Tips for choosing a safer coffee:

Prioritize organic coffee with certifications, ensuring no pesticides or chemical preservatives are used.
Purchase from reputable brands that provide transparent information about their coffee’s origin.

Using coffee of unknown origin can have long-term health consequences.

4. Using Inappropriate Water for Coffee

Water temperature plays a crucial role in determining the flavor and quality of your coffee. If the water is too hot (above 96°C), it can scorch the coffee, resulting in a bitter taste. Conversely, water that is too cold will produce a weak and insipid cup of coffee.

Ideal water temperature: 90–96°C, approximately 45 seconds after the water has reached a full boil.
When using a coffee machine, opt for one with an automatic temperature control function.
Drink your coffee immediately after brewing while it’s hot. Avoid reheating as it can alter the flavor and increase bitterness.

While everyone has their unique coffee routine, being mindful of these common mistakes when drinking coffee, such as using overly hot water, drinking on an empty stomach, or consuming chemically treated coffee, can positively impact your health and overall well-being.