What is the best time to drink? coffeeand how much is enough? Studies show that daily caffeine consumption can benefit the heart and brain, while when consumed in moderation, and without sugar, coffee offers significant benefits thanks to the antioxidants it contains. However, when you drink coffee is just as important as how you drink it. Experts suggest that timing it right can help you avoid negative consequences.

The best time to drink coffee

Coffee contains caffeine, which is a natural stimulant. This means it can boost metabolism by increasing the heart rate and the body’s energy expenditure. That’s why drinking coffee in the morning, about 90 minutes after waking up, is ideal, as it aligns with the body’s natural cortisol rhythm. If you work out in the morning, drinking coffee before exercise can improve your performance and help burn fat, while drinking it after exercise can help with muscle recovery.

However, it’s best not to drink coffee on an empty stomach right after waking up, as this can trigger the production of stomach acid, creating discomfort. Therefore, drink coffee after a light meal or snack, this also reduces the risk of increasing cortisol levels, which are already high in the first hours after waking up.

Coffee in the afternoon should not be late

After lunch, energy levels can drop and a coffee can give you the boost you need. A coffee in the early afternoon is more effective than one later in the day, as cortisol levels naturally decrease in the afternoon. The caffeine in coffee can boost alertness and give you the energy you need.

However, because caffeine increases alertness, it’s best to avoid coffee after 4pm, this is especially important for those who have trouble falling asleep at night. Coffee can disrupt sleep patterns, as caffeine can stay in the body for about eight hours and still be active at bedtime.

How much coffee is too much?

But what is the right amount of coffee we should consume? Coffee acts as a diuretic and tends to dehydrate the body. Therefore, if you drink too much coffee, you may become dehydrated and need to go to the bathroom frequently. To combat this, focus on drinking water that has been filtered and fortified with minerals, which help replenish nutrients.

Too much caffeine can also increase estrogen levels, which can lead to weight gain, so it’s important to watch how much coffee you consume. Try to limit your caffeine intake to no more than 500 mg per day (that is, no more than four coffees) to avoid the possible negative effects of dehydration, but also to take advantage of its benefits.