For many, coffee and eggs are often enjoyed together at breakfast. However, it turns out that this may not be advisable, according to a recent article published in the Mirror.
Eggs are a healthy and nutritious breakfast option, providing a great source of vitamins A, D, and B12, along with high-quality protein. But if you tend to eat eggs alongside your morning cup of coffee, you might want to reconsider this combination.
According to food experts, while this may be a dream pairing from a flavor perspective, you won’t fully benefit from the nutrients in eggs if consumed this way.
Coffee and eggs are often eaten and drunk together at breakfast.
Nutrition expert Priya Bansal, who previously worked at Apollo Hospital in Delhi, India, explains: “Eggs and coffee have their own benefits and can be enjoyed as part of a balanced breakfast. Eggs are a source of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Coffee is known for its high caffeine content, which provides a stimulating effect.”
However, Bansal warns that combining eggs and coffee may lead to potential side effects for some people. For example, consuming eggs and coffee together can impair the absorption of essential nutrients.
According to Bansal, coffee contains compounds called tannins and polyphenols, which can hinder the absorption of iron and calcium from eggs. This is supported by experts at the food company Prepped Pots, who recommend avoiding coffee or tea for at least an hour after eating eggs, as reported by the Huffington Post.
But that’s not all. The combination of eggs and coffee can also lead to digestive discomfort. This is because both eggs and coffee can stimulate stomach acid production, potentially leading to acid reflux, heartburn, or stomach pain.
Additionally, both eggs and coffee have diuretic properties, meaning they can cause you to urinate more – which can lead to dehydration. It’s advisable to drink more water, especially if you consume these items together.
Appropriate Coffee Dosage
In addition to avoiding coffee with eggs, experts also emphasize the importance of coffee dosage.
Coffee contains caffeine, which can help boost mood, increase metabolism, and keep you alert. Studies also show that coffee is safe for most people when consumed in moderation.
However, consuming large amounts of caffeine can be detrimental to health.
Excessive caffeine intake can lead to restlessness and cause:
- Increased heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (the official text from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), a safe amount of coffee for most people is 3-5 cups per day, with a maximum total caffeine intake of 400mg. Caffeine content can vary based on the type of coffee, but an average 240 ml cup of coffee contains about 95 milligrams of caffeine.
Moreover, people should also avoid drinking coffee after 3 PM to prevent it from affecting their sleep.
