Is Morning Coffee Bad for You? The Optimal Time to Drink It

Many people have started their day with a cup of coffee early in the morning or right after waking up. However, studies have shown that drinking coffee early in the morning can be detrimental to health. Let's learn about the optimal time to consume coffee and the appropriate intake amount.

Why is the First Coffee of the Morning Bad for Your Health?

Many people have the habit of drinking coffee as soon as they wake up in the morning. Or, we often see office workers starting their day with a cup of coffee on their way to work.

However, studies have shown that consuming coffee in the morning, especially too early, can be harmful to your health.

Impact on Cortisol Levels

When we wake up from sleep, our bodies increase the secretion of 'cortisol,' one of the stress hormones. Cortisol levels are highest when we wake up in the morning. In this situation, drinking coffee can further increase cortisol levels, leading to increased stress on the body.

Optimal Time for the First Coffee of the Day?

Gregory Marcus, a cardiologist at the University of California, San Francisco, advises that "the best time to have your first coffee of the day is between 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM." He notes that cortisol levels in our bodies drop the most between 9:30 AM and 1:00 PM.

The Time of Your Last Coffee Also Matters

Not only the morning, but also the time of your last coffee of the day should be considered. According to Professor Gregory, coffee should be consumed at least 6 hours before bedtime. This is because drinking coffee too late can interfere with sleep due to the stimulating effects of caffeine.

The Effect of Caffeine on Metabolic Rate

The effect of caffeine on sleep varies depending on an individual's caffeine metabolism rate. For people with slow metabolism, drinking coffee can reduce their sleep time, but for people with fast metabolism, it doesn't affect them significantly.

What is the Recommended Caffeine Intake?

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends limiting daily caffeine intake to 400 mg or less for adults. This is equivalent to about 3-4 cups of coffee. The French National Institute of Health and Medical Research suggests that the optimal intake for health benefits is 100-150 mg.

Coffee is indeed a great way to start your day with energy. However, remember that drinking coffee too early in the morning or right before bed can be detrimental to your health. We hope you will enjoy a wise coffee life by drinking the right amount of coffee at the right time.