When to drink coffee: New research on the effects of morning consumption and the link with cortisol
Coffee is undoubtedly one of the most consumed and appreciated drinks throughout the world and, in particular, in Italy. The tradition of drinking coffee is rooted in Italian culture and, as reported by the most recent Italian study, 95 million cups of coffee are consumed every day and the average per inhabitant is 1.6 cups per day. But when is the best time to consume this beloved drink? And are there any side effects we should be aware of? Although coffee consumption is spread throughout the day, it is known that most people prefer to consume their coffee in the morning. But a study recently published in a prestigious scientific journal found that drinking coffee in the morning may not be as beneficial as once thought. Waking up is a delicate moment for the body. During the early morning hours, the body begins to produce cortisol, the stress hormone, which helps wake us up and prepare us for the day. By drinking coffee, which is a known stimulant, we may actually be interfering with this natural process. The study suggests that drinking coffee in the morning can actually worsen the quality of waking up in the long term, increasing stress and anxiety levels. Experts therefore recommend waiting at least an hour after waking up before drinking your first coffee of the day. This will give the body a chance to complete its natural awakening process, allowing the coffee to have the desired stimulating effect without interfering with the body's natural processes. Additionally, drinking coffee in the morning can have other side effects. Some people may experience stomach or intestinal discomfort, especially if they drink coffee on an empty stomach. Others may experience an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. If you have noticed these symptoms after drinking coffee, it may be helpful to consult a health professional to discuss possible alternatives or changes to your coffee routine. Furthermore, although coffee can have many health benefits, such as antioxidant effects and the ability to increase metabolism, it is important to remember that as with everything, coffee should be consumed in moderation. Excessive coffee consumption can lead to insomnia, nervousness, irritability, stomach upset and rapid heartbeat. Therefore, to fully enjoy the benefits of coffee, it is important to pay attention to the quantity you consume and when you do it.
What the study says
The study, published in a leading scientific journal in the field of nutrition, examined coffee consumption habits in a large population sample. The authors of the study analyzed the effects produced by caffeine, the active ingredient in coffee, on the human body, with particular attention to "habitual coffee drinkers", i.e. those who consume at least three cups of coffee a day. According to the results of the analysis, regular coffee consumers develop a sort of tolerance to caffeine over time, similarly to what happens for other stimulant substances. This means that after a certain period of regular caffeine intake, the human body gets used to its presence and its stimulating effectiveness decreases. This phenomenon leads to a sort of addiction to the drink and often to an increase in the amount of coffee consumed daily to obtain the same waking effects. What has aroused particular interest among scientists is the fact that coffee ingested in the morning could have an inhibitory effect on the production of cortisol. Cortisol is one of the hormones produced by the human body to help us wake up and cope with stress. It reaches its peak production in the morning, precisely to prepare the body to face the day. Ingesting coffee in the morning would therefore reduce the production of cortisol, with the effect of making us feel more tired when the effect of caffeine wears off. The authors of the study therefore underline how daily consumption of coffee, and particularly in the morning, could actually reduce its effectiveness over time and even be counterproductive. According to this research, it would be preferable to limit the consumption of coffee in the morning and prefer other times of the day to prevent addiction to the stimulating effect of caffeine and maintain one's sensitivity to the substance.
When is it best to drink coffee
An important aspect of coffee consumption is certainly the time of day in which we choose to drink it. In fact, one study has suggested that when we decide to drink our coffee can have a significant impact on its effectiveness in producing desired effects such as providing a rapid boost in our energy. According to this research, the ideal time to consume coffee in the morning would be between 9.30 and 11.30. This period is calibrated based on the activity of the hormone cortisol, which reaches its peak in the first part of the morning. Drinking coffee when the cortisol level is high can lead to an increase in caffeine tolerance thus reducing its positive effects. Otherwise, consuming coffee between 9.30 and 11.30, when cortisol levels begin to drop, allows you to make the most of the stimulating effects of caffeine. This would strengthen our alert level by promoting concentration, which could be particularly useful in the work or study context. In the afternoon, however, the most suitable time to have a coffee break would be between 2pm and 5pm. In this period of time, the body undergoes a natural decline in energy, in fact, drinking coffee in this period of time would allow to combat the typical feeling of post-lunch tiredness. Also interesting is the observation suggested by the study regarding the relationship between coffee consumption and afternoon naps. According to research, drinking coffee before taking a nap can inhibit the production of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that has the function of causing drowsiness. The caffeine present in coffee competes with adenosine for receptors in the brain, thus limiting the feeling of tiredness and promoting a more lively and less traumatic awakening. In conclusion, the time at which we choose to consume our coffee can significantly affect its properties and the way in which our body reacts to it. Anyone who wants to make the most of the potential benefits of coffee should consider optimizing the timing of its consumption.
When is it better to avoid coffee?
Despite the countless health qualities and benefits that our beloved coffee can provide, it is critically important to remember that too much of a good thing can become harmful. An incontrovertible fact is that coffee, or rather, the caffeine contained in it, is a powerful stimulant of the central nervous system. Therefore, excessive coffee consumption can lead to a number of contraindications and unwanted side effects. First of all, it is strongly discouraged to drink coffee in the evening hours. This is because caffeine can significantly hinder your night's rest. Drinking coffee a few hours before bedtime can not only make it difficult to fall asleep but can also alter the quality of sleep, making it less restorative and causing frequent awakenings during the night. It has been shown that caffeine can remain in the system for several hours after consumption. So even if you don't feel immediately awake after drinking coffee, it could still interfere with your sleep later. This advice is even more valid for those who suffer from sleep problems or disorders such as insomnia. We know that for a good rest, it is essential to create a peaceful and relaxing environment before going to bed, without external stimuli that could alter the biological rhythm. Therefore, avoiding caffeine is one of the first steps in ensuring a good sleep routine. Furthermore, even during the day, it is better not to exceed a certain amount of coffee. Excessive caffeine consumption can lead to a series of side effects such as nervousness, irritability, restlessness, tachycardia, gastrointestinal disorders among others. If you have a tendency to be anxious or if you're going through a particularly stressful time, it might be a good idea to limit your caffeine intake. It is important to note that sensitivity to caffeine can vary from person to person. While some people can tolerate several cups of coffee a day without experiencing any ill effects, others may start to feel agitated or anxious after just one cup. Listen to your body and adjust accordingly. Ultimately, coffee is not the bad guy in the situation. However, as with anything in life, balance is key. Enjoy your coffee, but make sure you do it in moderation and at the right time of day. Remember, a good cup of coffee is a pleasure, not a necessity. Drink responsibly.
