Coffee is an essential part of the daily lives of billions of people around the world. Numerous studies have shown that this popular beverage can provide many health benefits, including reducing the risk of dementia and certain types of cancer, while also enhancing alertness, energy levels, and improving metabolism.
However, coffee will only yield these benefits when consumed correctly and at the right times. Many studies indicate specific times when we should avoid drinking coffee to prevent undesirable side effects.
According to health website Prevention, here are 4 times when you should avoid drinking coffee.
1. When the coffee is still too hot
Don’t rush to drink coffee immediately after brewing; wait until it cools down a bit. According to a report from the World Health Organization, beverages served at temperatures above 65 degrees Celsius (149 degrees Fahrenheit) may increase the risk of esophageal cancer. The hotter the drink, the higher the cancer risk.
A 2019 study on tea-drinking habits in Iran found that individuals consuming more than 700ml of tea at temperatures of 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher daily had a 90% increased risk of esophageal cancer compared to those who consumed less tea at lower temperatures.
Regularly drinking coffee that is too hot can increase the risk of esophageal cancer. (Illustrative photo).
2. When you are anxious or nervous
If you are feeling anxious or nervous, drinking coffee will not make you feel better; it may even worsen your condition. Ali Miller, an American nutrition expert and author of the book “Naturally Nourished,” states that caffeine stimulates the nervous system, causing the body to release the stress hormone cortisol, which can exacerbate anxiety and sleep issues. Particularly, those prone to anxiety or panic attacks should be cautious with caffeine.
To mitigate caffeine’s impact, you can reduce the amount of coffee you consume daily or switch to decaf (caffeine-free coffee). Additionally, avoid consuming coffee 6 hours before bedtime.
3. When you have sleep issues
If you need to stay alert, coffee might seem like the right choice. However, coffee doesn’t always provide the alertness you expect.
One study found that caffeine becomes ineffective in enhancing alertness if you sleep less than 5 hours a day for 3 consecutive days. Insufficient sleep can impair cognitive function, and caffeine is not a “magic pill” to combat drowsiness at this point.
If you struggle with sleep or do not get enough rest, avoid coffee altogether. Instead, consider taking a 20-minute nap when your energy dips. According to a study from the Johns Hopkins Sleep Disorders Center in the U.S., these practices can alleviate symptoms of sleep deprivation and improve alertness more effectively than caffeine.
4. When you just woke up
In the hours immediately following waking up, cortisol levels in the body are still at their peak. Therefore, drinking coffee at this time is not advisable.
Many experts suggest that the best time to have your first cup of coffee is between 10 AM and 12 PM, when cortisol levels have decreased. This way, you can limit your caffeine intake throughout the day and reduce dependency on it. Particularly for individuals with conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or gastroesophageal reflux, excessive coffee consumption can worsen their ailments.
Those sensitive to caffeine should also be cautious when consuming coffee. Symptoms of caffeine sensitivity include restlessness, anxiety, headaches, rapid heartbeat, diarrhea, insomnia, and irritability.
