Coffee is a beloved beverage for many Vietnamese, often enjoyed to kick-start the day or to maintain alertness throughout.
However, drinking coffee at the wrong time can reduce the effectiveness of caffeine and potentially harm your cardiovascular health, nervous system, and stomach. Research suggests that 90% of Vietnamese people unintentionally make this mistake without realizing its detrimental effects.
So, how can drinking coffee at the wrong time be harmful? And when is the ideal time to enjoy your coffee without compromising cardiovascular health?
Drinking coffee at the wrong time can harm your heart health.
Caffeine in coffee stimulates the nervous system, helping you stay alert and boosting your energy. However, if consumed at an inappropriate time, coffee can negatively affect your cardiovascular system, blood pressure, heart rate, and digestive system.
Here are some timings to avoid when it comes to drinking coffee to protect your health:
Drinking coffee right after waking up: After sleep, your body naturally produces cortisol, a hormone that helps you stay alert. Drinking coffee at this time interferes with your body’s natural process, reducing cortisol’s effectiveness and increasing your reliance on coffee. It also suddenly increases your heart rate, causing stress on your cardiovascular system.
Drinking coffee on an empty stomach: This habit can be severely damaging as coffee is highly acidic and easily stimulates the stomach to produce excess acid, leading to damage to the stomach lining and increased risk of inflammation, ulcers, or acid reflux. Caffeine also overstimulates the nervous system, causing palpitations, anxiety, and hindering nutrient absorption.
Drinking coffee in the late afternoon or evening: Caffeine has a half-life of 6 to 8 hours, meaning if you drink coffee at 4 p.m., it could still be in your system as late as 10 p.m. or even later, leading to insomnia, difficulty sleeping deeply, and disrupting your biological rhythm, affecting your work efficiency the next day.
Excessive coffee consumption throughout the day: The FDA recommends that adults should not consume more than 400mg of caffeine per day (around 4 cups of coffee). However, excessive coffee intake can increase blood pressure, cause arrhythmias, raise the risk of stroke, and lead to dehydration and bone loss due to calcium excretion. It may also heighten feelings of anxiety and irritability, impacting your mental well-being.
Ideal timings for coffee consumption without causing harm
When you drink coffee at the right time, you can still enjoy its benefits without compromising your health. Here are the perfect timings to savor your coffee:
Between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.: During this time, cortisol levels in your body slightly dip, allowing coffee to effectively stimulate alertness without interfering with your body’s natural energy production.
Between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.: After lunch, drinking coffee helps maintain alertness, improves concentration, and boosts work efficiency.
30 minutes to 1 hour after breakfast: Drinking coffee after breakfast reduces negative impacts on the stomach and digestive system, protecting the stomach lining.
Note:
Opt for black coffee or coffee with minimal sugar instead of condensed milk coffee or overly sweetened varieties.
Avoid extremely strong coffee or continuous coffee drinking throughout the day to prevent cardiovascular stress.
Don’t forget to stay hydrated by drinking enough water to maintain your body’s balance.
The Four Coffee-Consuming Windows: A Guide to Optimizing Your Caffeine Fix
The Best Times to Drink Coffee for Your Heart’s Health – a Brew-tiful Guide!
An invigorating cup of coffee is a beloved ritual for many, but did you know that timing your coffee intake can have a positive impact on your heart health? Discover the optimal times to enjoy your brew and give your cardiovascular system a boost!
“The Humble Root Vegetable: A Powerful Ally in the Fight Against Cancer”
Recent studies have indicated that the active compounds in garlic may play a pivotal role in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer.
Take a Walk for 30 Minutes Daily: What Changes Will Your Body Go Through?
Embarking on a 30-minute walk each day can truly revolutionize your health and well-being.
5 Refreshing Drinks to Cool You Down on a Hot Summer’s Day
Beat the summer heat with these 5 natural drink recipes that will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized. These drinks are not only delicious but also provide a much-needed boost to keep you hydrated and healthy throughout the hot summer days.
The Secretive Soy: 5 Unsuspecting Culprits to Avoid, Especially Number 2!
Tofu is a nutritional powerhouse, but it’s not for everyone. Some people should steer clear of this soy-based food as it may aggravate existing health conditions. While tofu is a healthy choice for many, it’s important to know when to avoid it to stay safe and keep your body happy.
